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TWO YEARS IN CHINA. 
 
TWO YEAES IN CHINA 
 
 NARRATIVE 
 
 OF 
 
 THE CHINESE EXPEDITION 
 
 FROM ITS FORMATION IN APRIL, 1840, 
 TILL APRIL, 1842. 
 
 an Sfppcnbti, 
 
 CONTAINING THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE GENERAL ORDERS & DESPATCHES 
 PUBLISHED DURING THE ABOVE PERIOD. 
 
 BY 
 
 D. MCPHERSON, M.D. 
 
 MADRAS ARMY, 
 
 ATTACHED TO THE SERVICE OF HIS HIGHNESS THE NIZAM, AND LATELY 
 IVITH THE 37th grenadier REGIMENT IN CHINA. 
 
 “ Lettre, lache, hypocrite et charlatan ; poll, coinplimenteur adroit, 
 fourhe et fripon ; qua met tous les devoirs en etiquettes, toute la morale 
 en simagrees, et ne coianoit d’autre humanitd que les salutations et les 
 reverences.” Rousseau, on the Chinese. 
 
 LONDON 
 
 SAUNDERS AND OTLEY, CONDUIT STREET. 
 
 1842. 
 
TO 
 
 9 ly- > 
 
 /V\ / 7Z T 
 
 HIS EXCELLENCY 
 
 LIEUT. -GENERAL SIR HUGH GOUGH, 
 
 K.C.B. G.C.B. 
 
 COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF MADRAS, 
 
 AND OF THE LAND FORCES IN CHINA, 
 
 THIS VOLUME 
 
 IS, 
 
 WITH EVERY SENTIMENT OF RESPECT AND ESTEEM, 
 
 iStlJtratc'B, 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
 117402 
 

 
 /^/ 6 '/ ^ i-' 
 
 fC. -. '- ■ 
 
 7 o' 
 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 The following work was planned and executed 
 during a passage of six weeks between the ports 
 of Hong-Kong and Madras, in those hours which 
 the author could snatch from his professional 
 engagements, and at a period when he laboured 
 under repeated and severe attacks of sickness. 
 
 His aim throughout has been to produce a 
 simple and correct narrative of events, and in 
 this he trusts that he has succeeded. The chief 
 portion of the work has been compiled from 
 notes taken by himself at the period of the oc- 
 currence of the scenes detailed. 
 
 Two papers published by the author, and now 
 incorporated in this volume, have already ap- 
 
vm 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 peared in the “ Chinese Repository,” an excellent 
 periodical, published at Macao, to the editor of 
 which, as also to all who have furnished him 
 with material for his work, he begs now to offer 
 his best thanks. 
 
 The author has to plead good intentions alone 
 against the imperfect execution of the task. 
 
 May, 1842 . 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 A general view of the character of the Chinese — Their re- 
 
 O 
 
 peated insults to British subjects — Immediate cause of 
 the present rupture p.l 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 The formation of the Expedition — Its strength and constitu- 
 tion — Its departure from India, and arrival at Chusan, 
 
 p. 10 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiaries proceed to the Pieho — Affair 
 at Amoy — Battle of the Barrier — Sickness at Chusan, 
 
 p. 14 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Wreck of the Indian Oak and Kite Transports — Capture of 
 Captain Anstruther p. 24 
 
X 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Arrival of the 37th regiment, M. N. I., in China — A Ty- 
 phoon in the China seas — Her IMajesty’s Plenipotentiaries 
 return from Chusan, and proceed with the force to the 
 Canton river — Admiral goes home ----- p. 30 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A visit to Macao — Camoens’ Cave — Small feet women, p. 37 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Letter from Captain Anstruther — Melancholy accounts from 
 Chusan — The missing Golconda — The Nemesis steamer, 
 
 p. 46 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Treacherous conduct of the imperial commissioner — Massacre 
 of six mandarins — Battles of Cheumpee and Tycocktow, 
 
 p. 60 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The day after the battle — Flag of truce and treaty of peace — 
 Columbine sails for Chusan p. 70 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 A description of the harbour and island of Hong-Kong — In- 
 terview between Captain Elliot and Keshen — Perfidy, 
 and interruption of negotiations - p. 78 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Recommencement of hostilities, and bombardment of forts at 
 Bocca Tigris - -- -- p. 87 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XI 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Advance npon Canton — Arrival of Sir Hugh Gough and of 
 the Chusan force — Release of the Ningpo prisoners — 
 Armistice and arrangements for trade agreed on, p. 101 
 
 CHAPTER XIH. 
 
 Commodore proceeds to Calcutta — Keshen is recalled — Three 
 new commissioners arrive at Canton — They act with 
 duplicity pill 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Hostilities are resumed — Third advance up the river — Battle 
 of the heights above Canton ------ p. 120 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The seven days’ bivouack on the heights - - - - p. 137 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Death of Sir Humphrey Le Fleming Senhouse — Return of 
 Commodore Sir Gordon Bremer — Sickness at Hong- 
 Kong — Typhoons of 21st and 26th July - - - p. 165 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Nai’rative of the loss of H.B.M’s cutter Louisa in the Ty- 
 phoon, July 21st, 1841 p. 176 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Arrival of Sir Henry Pottinger and Sir William Parker — 
 Departure of Captain Elliot and Sir Gordon Bremer — 
 Second expedition to the north — The fall of Amoy, p. 200 
 
Xll 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Recapture of Chusan and fall of Chinliae - - - - p. 210 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 British troops enter Ningpo — Loss of the steamer Madagas- 
 car, and ships Nerbndda and Viscount Melbourne, p. 228 
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 Opium and opium smoking p. 240 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Troops enter winter quarters — Health of the forces — Enemy 
 tlireaten their position — Conclusion - - - - p. 250 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 p. 257 
 
TWO YEARS IN CHINA, 
 
 ETC. 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 
 A general view of the character of the Chinese — Their re- 
 peated insults to British subjects — Immediate cause of 
 the present rupture. 
 
 It were no easy matter for a campaigner, or for 
 one who comes on a mere casual visit to the 
 outer regions of so vast an empire as China, to 
 enter into anything like an acute analysis of 
 the inhabitants of the land — that is, had he to 
 depend solely upon his own chance resources 
 and natural powers of discrimination. Much, it 
 is true, may he acquired in the abstract ; much 
 political duplicity and craft may come to light 
 from among the upper classes ; and much low 
 
 B 
 
2 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 cunning, and treachery, and selfishness, may be 
 found lurking beneath the garb of the lower order, 
 even where little had been previously dreamt 
 of; but the time has now come, when this ex- 
 traordinary race are to be viewed no longer in 
 this abstract form. A new era is breaking in 
 the moral history of nations, and England, never- 
 tiring England, has thrust her hand forward to 
 raise the curtain from scenes hitherto secret and 
 unknown to all save the actors themselves ; while 
 the other children of civilization sit watching, 
 with intense anxiety, the result of her boldness. 
 The audience will benefit ; let them not then in- 
 terfere. Few boys will venture into a haunted 
 house, although it interfere materially with their 
 comforts ; but how many would congregate to 
 see the one bold adventurer daring to enter its 
 precincts, and endeavouring to dissolve the spell ! 
 
 But, as we have said, it were no easy matter 
 to start on a subject of the nature of that in which 
 we are now engaged, solely on the strength of 
 our own experience ; we will therefore, without 
 scruple, glance occasionally into the few works of 
 well-versed travellers, and others, brought daily 
 
POPULATION OF CHINA. 
 
 3 
 
 to our notice, to enable us to furnish a brief 
 summary of such matters as will permit all lovers 
 of light reading to take up the s'ame position as 
 ourselves, when first setting foot upon the Chi- 
 nese soil. 
 
 The population of China Proper is estimated 
 hy Medhurst at 361,221,900, and that of For- 
 mosa as 1,000,000; yet one written character 
 serves for the communication of thought through- 
 out this vast empire, and the laws of the imperial 
 council are as easily read by the poorest as by the 
 richest in China. 
 
 A glance into the lesser traits of their character 
 will, indeed, tend to convince one that they really 
 have been cast in a different mould from all other 
 nations. For instance : in matters of simple na- 
 vigation the pilot tells us that his port lays west- 
 north, and that the wind is east-south ; and on 
 explaining the use of the compass, he describes 
 the needle as pointing south. 
 
 In the common routine of literature, the moon- 
 shee, or teacher, reads the date of publication of 
 his book as the fifth year, the tenth month, and 
 third day. He commences at what we consider 
 
 B 2 
 
4 
 
 PECULIARITIES OF THE CHINESE. 
 
 the end of the book, and reads from the top 
 downwards. The title is found on the edge of 
 the leaves, and the marginal notes at the head of 
 the page, and the volume has sometimes a heavy 
 line in the middle of each leaf, which separates 
 two works contained in it. When in the matter 
 of simple social life, as on the death of a relative, 
 they dress in white ; and on a marriage, nothing 
 is to be heard but sobbing and crying ; and to 
 crown the distinction between our own acknow- 
 ledged axioms and theirs, the most learned men 
 are of opinion that the seat of the human under- 
 standing is in the belly. 
 
 The motto selected for the title-page of this 
 volume describes most correctly, in very few 
 words, the true character of the Chinese, taken 
 in a public point of view. Haughty, cruel, and 
 hypocritical, they despise all other nations but 
 their own ; they regard themselves as faultless. 
 Next to the son of heaven, a true Chinaman thinks 
 himself the greatest man in the world, and China, 
 beyond all comparison, to be the most civilized, 
 the most learned, the most fruitful, the most an- 
 cient — in short, the only country in the world. 
 
CUSTOMS. 
 
 5 
 
 They style all foreigners barbarians, and they tell 
 them, “ We can do without you, but you cannot 
 do without us ; if your country is so good, why 
 do you come here for tea and rhubarb ?” No 
 argument will induce a Chinaman to adopt a 
 different style of reasoning. 
 
 In private life they excel many other nations. 
 Here, indeed, do we find a direct contrast to the 
 character given of them by the world. There 
 are no castes among them, consequently the great 
 barrier between man and man, so generally sub- 
 sisting among eastern nations, is altogether done 
 away with, and the passing stranger is at all 
 times welcome to partake of the poorest man’s 
 fare. Their food is plain and simple, — rice, fish, 
 and vegetables are their stable articles ; at a pinch, 
 however, nothing comes amiss, for they have the 
 most accommodating stomachs imaginable. In 
 the animal kingdom, anything from the hide 
 to the entrails, and in the vegetable, from the 
 leaves to the roots, is made available for the sup- 
 port of life. Frogs are common food ; young 
 puppies are esteemed a delicacy, in the same way 
 that lambs are in Europe ; and the flesh of the 
 
6 
 
 ADVANCEMENT IN THE ARTS. 
 
 kitten is an expensive luxury, and only seen on 
 the tables of the opulent. Rats and mice are 
 confined almost exclusively to the poorest people ; 
 the flesh of these animals is daily to be seen in 
 the public market, skinned, and otherwise pre- 
 pared, hung up by dozens in long rows, with a 
 piece of wood passed across from one hind leg to 
 the other. 
 
 The great majority of the population of China, 
 obtain a livelihood by cultivating the soil, or by 
 fishing. The Chinese seas are said to contain a 
 far more abundant supply of fish, and superior in 
 quality, to any found in the known world ; and 
 the land yields a vast return to the laborious cul- 
 tivator. 
 
 In the useful arts, the Chinese ages ago ex- 
 celled all other nations. The manufacture of 
 paper and gunpowder, glass and porcelain ware, 
 and the art of printing, were all known to them 
 long before they came into use among us more 
 civilized nations. Their paper is chiefly manu- 
 factured from the bark of trees and from cotton. 
 
 The Chinese respect their parents during life, 
 and worship them after death. In fact, the wor- 
 
RELIGION. 
 
 7 
 
 ship of ancestors is the religion of the great ma- 
 jority ; complete obedience to the father of a fa- 
 mily is enforced in the most rigorous manner, 
 the emperor being not only considered as the fa- 
 ther of all his own subjects, but of the several 
 sovereigns of Europe also ; and both from them 
 and their people implicit and unconditional obe- 
 dience is claimed as a rightful due. All con- 
 sult their joss, or god, before commencing any 
 undertaking of importance. If they have any 
 material event in view, — to marry, to go on a 
 journey, to conclude a bargain, to change a situa- 
 tion, &c., — it becomes necessary first to consult 
 the superintending deity. Many believe in the 
 transfiguration of souls ; a common belief is, that 
 if proper funereal honours have been paid to the 
 departed, the soul leaves the body, and in three 
 days after death joins that of their deceased pa- 
 rents ; whereas, if the body remains unburied, no 
 change takes place ; to use their own words, 
 “ then same like one dog.” 
 
 As will be seen in the sequel, the Chinese are 
 not a warlike race. Their industry and never- 
 ending perseverance enable them to build exten- 
 
8 
 
 ORDERS OF THE COMMUNITY. 
 
 sive and powerful batteries ; their guns are in 
 many instances equal to any of European manu- 
 facture ; but their gunners never caleulated on 
 the sharp practice employed so much to their 
 cost during the past two years. 
 
 The community of China are divided into four 
 grades. The cultivation of the mind is the first 
 and most honourable ; agriculture stands second 
 on the list ; mechanical labour, third ; and trade 
 or commerce, fourth, or lowest grade. The pecu- 
 liar views entertained hy the Chinese of the 
 inferiority of mercantile employment is, perhaps, 
 some apology for the repeated insults so frequently 
 cast on our British merchants, with whom they 
 have hitherto disdained to treat on equal terms. 
 Long before the lamented death of that esteemed 
 nobleman. Lord Napier, and subsequent to his 
 time, insults innumerable have been borne with 
 impunity by the British nation. These are too 
 well known to require detail here ; suffice it to 
 say, that the Chinese, emboldened by the pacific 
 temperament of our government, proceeded at 
 length to the utmost extent, and not satisfied 
 with imprisoning and threatening the lives of the 
 
CAUSE OF THE WAR WITH ENGLAND. 9 
 
 whole foreign community, laid also violent hands 
 on the British representative himself, claiming, 
 as the purchase of his freedom, the delivery 
 of the whole of the opium then in the Chinese 
 waters — property to the amount of upwards of 
 two millions sterling. After a close imprison- 
 ment of two months’ duration, during which 
 period our countrymen were deprived of many 
 of the necessaries of life, and exposed repeatedly, 
 as in a pillory, to the gaze and abuse of the mob, 
 no resource was left but to yield to the bold 
 demands of the Chinese, relying with confidence 
 on their nation for support and redress ; nor did 
 they rely in vain, for immediately the accounts 
 of the aggression reached London, preparations 
 commenced for the Chinese expedition, the chief 
 objects of which are supposed to be, — To obtain 
 redress for imprisoning and insulting her Ma- 
 jesty’s Plenipotentiary and subjects in China ; 
 compensation for British property seized ; and 
 direct otficial intercourse with the emperor. 
 
CHAPTER 11. 
 
 The formation of the Expedition — Its strength and consti- 
 tution — Its departure from India, and arrival at Chusan. 
 
 It was supposed by Lord Palmerston and the 
 other advisers of her Majesty that the mere pre- 
 sence of a force otF the China coast would of 
 itself be sufficient to awe the Chinese, and that 
 they would at once submit to our demands with- 
 out its becoming necessary to proceed to hostile 
 measures. Contrary, therefore, to the advice of 
 the greatest general of the age, an “ army of 
 demonstration” only was directed to proceed to 
 China. This army was formed by her Majesty’s 
 18th, 26th, and 49th regiments, Madras Artil- 
 lery, and Sappers and Miners, and the Bengal 
 Volunteer corps, in all about 3000 strong. The 
 
EXPEDITION AGAINST CHINA. 
 
 11 
 
 naval portion of the force consisted of three line 
 of battle ships, two frigates, carrying 44 guns, 
 and fourteen other ships, carrying some 28 and 
 some 18 guns. There were also four armed 
 steamers attached to the expedition. With this 
 small force Great Britain had the audacity to sup- 
 pose she could bring under subjection a nation, 
 an idea of the immense population of which will 
 be gained by the reflection that its present gene- 
 ration (according to Gutzlaff) consists of nearly 
 as many people as have lived in our small island 
 since the creation of the world. 
 
 So far back as the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 
 when England gained for herself a name never 
 to be erased from history, the highest naval and 
 military commanders concurred in the opinion 
 that a conjoint expedition is rarely well-conducted; 
 and I am confident that the heads of the present 
 expedition will agree with me that this one has 
 throughout been retarded by impediments which 
 only can arise where two distinct authorities are 
 employed to effect one end and purpose. 
 
 The force as detailed above rendezvoused at 
 Singapore, in April, 1 840 ; and on the 4th of 
 
12 
 
 OCCUPATION OF CHUSAN. 
 
 July our troops were in possession of the island 
 of Chusan, which they entered with little or no 
 opposition. In passing by the mouth of the 
 Canton river, her Majesty’s Plenipotentiaries de- 
 tailed certain ships of the squadron to blockade 
 that port, taking the main body of the force 
 with them as near the seat of government as 
 possible, so as to excite terror in the capital, and 
 to enable them to carry on negotiations with at 
 least the semblance of power to enforce their 
 demands. The authorities at Ningpo were thun- 
 derstruck by the occupation of Chusan. The 
 news rapidly reached Pekin, new governors and 
 generals were appointed to take command of the 
 provincial cities, to the support of which large 
 reinforcements of troops were directed to pro- 
 ceed. 
 
 Our troops were landed on the island of Chu- 
 san in high health and spirits, and burning for 
 active employment ; a natural distaste and disgust 
 arose when the pacific nature of the expedition 
 was discovered ; so great was the dread of excit- 
 ing a bad feeling and causing discontent among 
 the natives, that our men were obliged to live in 
 
ENCAMPMENT OF THE TROOPS. 
 
 13 
 
 their tents when there were thousands of houses 
 available for that purpose ; and without regard 
 to the health of the men, or consulting medical 
 authorities on the subject, positions were laid 
 out for the encampment of the troops. Parades 
 and guard mountings in full dress, with a ther- 
 mometer ranging from ninety to a hundred 
 degrees, made the scene resemble the routine of 
 garrison duty in India, and satisfied the heads of 
 departments that they had there a body of hale 
 and healthy men, who, at a moment’s notice, 
 were capable of performing any duty that fell to 
 their lot. Alas ! how soon had they cause to 
 alter their opinion. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiaries proceed to the Pieho — 
 Alfair at Amoy — Battle of the Barrier — Sickness at 
 Chusan. 
 
 After the delay of several weeks, and the rejec- 
 tion of Lord Palmerston’s letter hy the provin- 
 cial authorities, and when all due arrangements 
 for the comfort of our men on shore, and the 
 protection of the coast, had been completed to 
 the satisfaction of the authorities. Admiral Elliot, 
 and his relative Captain Elliot, R.N., Chief 
 Superintendent of Trade in China, joint plenipo- 
 tentiaries, proceeded with a small proportion of 
 the squadron to the Pieho. The presence even 
 of this force so near the capital caused no small 
 alarm, and communications with the imperial 
 
INTERVIEW WITH KESHEN. 
 
 15 
 
 government became at once respectful, courteous, 
 and pacific. An imperial commission had been 
 directed by the Emperor to proceed thither to 
 meet them. True to his time, Keshen waited 
 their arrival, and received the plenipotentiaries 
 with all due pomp and ceremony. The repeat- 
 edly rejected letter was at once received, a long 
 private interview was held, after which the com- 
 pany were regaled with bird’s nest and shark’s 
 fin soup, truffles (manufactured probably from 
 puppies and kittens), fruits, and in fact every 
 delicacy that China can produce, a full descrip- 
 tion of which will be found in that interesting 
 little work published by a noble lord, entitled 
 “ Six Months with the China Expedition.” That 
 the arguments used by Keshen were amicable as 
 well as convincing was certain, for soon after the 
 interview our ships weighed anchor and returned 
 to Chusan. 
 
 Transports, laden with provisions and stores, 
 were now daily arriving at Chusan. The mer- 
 chants, availing themselves of the protection 
 afforded by the presence of the force, sent their 
 clippers with opium and British manufacture. 
 
16 INVENTION OF A NEW LANGUAGE. 
 
 both of which, in a short time, found a ready sale 
 among the natives. 
 
 The inhabitants of the capital city of Tingbae, 
 who, on our first taking possession of the island, 
 had deserted, gradually regaining confidence, re- 
 turned. The peculiar attractions of the tolah 
 (dollar) and loopea (rupee) quite won over the 
 hearts of many. Strangers were by common 
 consent called fokee, the Chinese word for friend; 
 but when there were no interpreters, considerable 
 difficulty arose in explaining matters, as where 
 bullocks, fowls, &c., were required. This, how- 
 ever, gradually wore away; a language, “ sui 
 generis,” was soon formed, the striking peculia- 
 rities of which consisted in imitating the sounds 
 emitted by those animals. 
 
 About this time the Blonde frigate (44), in 
 sailing up the coast, went into the harbour of 
 Amoy to deliver a chop, or official despatch, to 
 the authorities there. A boat, carrying a white 
 flag, was sent on shore. Mr. Thom, the inter- 
 preter, landed to deliver the chop ; the latter, 
 however, they would not receive, and on returning 
 to his boat he was fired at by some soldiers who 
 
BOMBARDMENT OF AMOY. 
 
 17 
 
 were drawn up on the beach, and who evidently 
 had been sent for on seeing the boat approach. 
 Mr. Thom succeeded in reaching the boat, upon 
 which a brisk fire was now directed. Fortu- 
 nately, however, no serious injury was done. 
 Guns from several batteries now opened upon 
 the Blonde ; she immediately weighed, stood in, 
 and picked up her boat ; then approaching as 
 near the batteries as the depth of water would 
 permit, skirting the edge of each, she gave the 
 garrison repeated broadsides of canister, grape, 
 and round shot, and then took her departure. 
 Shortly after this, the Alligator, 28 guns, accom- 
 panied by the armed transport, Breemer, were 
 sent from Chusan with directions to make another 
 attempt to send the chop on shore. The same 
 reception awaited them as the Blonde received. 
 The Brsemer, when the firing commenced, think- 
 ing discretion the better part of valour, and her 
 native crew saying that they were not paid for 
 fighting, declined to approach within gunshot of 
 the forts, and the Alligator, already wounded, 
 soon became convinced of the inability of her 
 remaining alone in the position she had taken 
 
 c 
 
18 
 
 MILITARY HONOURS. 
 
 up, took to sea also. The Chinese now boasted 
 that on two different occasions they had driven 
 off the barbarian ships. The affair they exag- 
 gerated into a great battle. It was reported to 
 the Emperor that, after many hours of hard 
 fighting, in which more than ten ships of war, 
 and several fire-ships (steamers), belonging to the 
 barbarians, were sunk and destroyed, victory was 
 at length decided in favour of the celestial troops, 
 with very trifling loss. Honours, in the shape of 
 peacocks’ feathers, white, red, and blue buttons, 
 were consequently showered down upon the 
 victors. 
 
 While affairs were thus proceeding on the 
 coast, matters began to assume an alarming as- 
 pect at Macao, whither all the British merchants 
 had resorted for further security. Commissioner 
 Lin, by whose instigation our countrymen had 
 been imprisoned in 1839, and who, on a former 
 occasion, by his threats, had so intimidated the 
 Governor of Macao as to oblige him to expel 
 all the English from that city, aware that his 
 career was drawing to a close, and hating the 
 very name of Englishman, determined, if pos- 
 
lin’s cunning. 
 
 19 
 
 sible, thoroughly to exterminate them. For this 
 purpose, he had recourse to the usual artifice 
 and cunning of his nation. Under the cloak of 
 friendship, he now expressed sorrow for all the 
 mischief he had done, and pretended to grant 
 great favours. All this time he was collecting 
 a large force in the proximity of Macao, of 
 which he himself, it was generally believed, took 
 the command. 
 
 The town of Macao, it is necessary here to 
 remark, is built on the peninsula of an island 
 granted to the Portuguese for certain favours 
 rendered, on payment to the Chinese of a rent 
 equal to £300 per annum. On an isthmus, 
 which connects the main body of the island with 
 that small portion inhabited by the Portuguese, 
 a high wall has been built. This wall runs 
 across the isthmus, and is styled the barrier- 
 wall ; on it several guns are mounted, and on 
 the Chinese side of the wall are barracks for 
 troops. It was here, then, that Lin concentrated 
 his forces — he strengthened his position on every 
 side by sand-bag batteries. He detached daily 
 his satellites into Macao to mark out the resi- 
 
20 
 
 ACTION AT MACAO. 
 
 dences of the English merchants. The day, it 
 was said, was fixed for the massacre. The un- 
 usual appearance of so many soldiers in the im- 
 mediate vicinity of Macao, and about the mer- 
 chant’s houses, naturally caused suspicion and 
 alarm. Reports soon reached the ears of the 
 senior naval officer, which convinced him that 
 firm and decided measures must at once be 
 taken to drive the Chinese from their position. 
 With his usual promptitude. Captain Smith at 
 once prepared to attack them. Taking with him, 
 therefore, two companies of the Bengal Volun- 
 teer Corps, H. M.’s ships Hyacinth and Larne, 
 both 18 guns, and the Enterprise steamer, he 
 proceeded to the barrier. The volunteers, and 
 as many jacks and marines as could be col- 
 lected, were landed about a mile from, and on 
 the Chinese side of, the barrier. The ships took 
 up their positions, and at once opened their guns 
 upon the batteries ; our troops on shore, when 
 the firing had in a measure subsided, advanced 
 and cut off the flight of the cowardly enemy ; 
 some war-junks, on the opposite side of the 
 isthmus to that held by us, cut their cables and 
 
SURPRISE OF THE INHABITANTS. 
 
 21 
 
 put to sea — two of them, however, had been 
 sunk by the shot from the Hyacinth. Lin, it 
 was supposed, had early in the day taken flight 
 in an open boat to Canton by the back passage. 
 Such was the activity with which Captain Smith 
 put his resolves into execution, that the enemy 
 were quite taken by surprise ; nor was it till 
 after the firing had begun that the inhabitants of 
 Macao became sensible of the presence of an 
 armed force. That Captain Smith, by this gal- 
 lant action, and the promptitude with which it 
 was effected, was the means of saving the lives 
 of the British community at Macao, there cannot 
 be a doubt. 
 
 The month of October had now commenced, 
 and each arrival from Chusan brought with it 
 the most gloomy reports of the insalubrity of the 
 island and the health of our men. This had long 
 been foretold. It required no gifted soothsayer 
 to prognosticate what the results would be, where 
 men were placed in tents pitched on low paddy 
 fields, surrounded by stagnant water, putrid and 
 stinking from quantities of dead animal and ve- 
 getable matter. Under a sun hotter than that 
 
22 
 
 SICKNESS AT CHUSAN. 
 
 ever experienced in India, the men on duty were 
 buckled up to the throat in their full dress 
 coatees ; and in consequence of there being so 
 few camp followers, fatigue parties of Europeans 
 were daily detailed to carry provisions and stores 
 from the ships to the tents, and to perform all 
 menial employments, which, experience has long 
 taught us, they cannot stand in a tropical climate. 
 The poor men, working like slaves, began to 
 sink under the exposure and fatigue. Bad pro- 
 visions, low spirits, and despondency drove them 
 to drink. This increased their liability to disease, 
 and in the month of November there were barely 
 500 effective men in the force. A sort of infatua- 
 tion seemed to possess the minds of the autho- 
 rities. Medical men, as is often the case, were 
 put down as croakers, their recommendations 
 were neither listened nor attended to. True, it 
 was reported that the general was one day about 
 to visit the hospitals, but when almost at the 
 door of one, some pressing business called him 
 away. Once, also, the Admiral and Captain 
 Elliot were known to have walked through the 
 hospital of H. M. 26th regiment. There were 
 
WANT OF HOSPITAL SHIPS. 
 
 23 
 
 at that time upwards of 400 poor sick fellows on 
 mats, stretched on the ground — many, alas ! never 
 to rise from it. This melancholy sight called 
 forth expressions of pity and compassion. The 
 surgeon was directed to spare no expense — to 
 procure everything he considered necessary — to 
 be unremitting in his exertions, and to make ap- 
 plication to the admiral direct if aught was 
 wanted. The surgeon recommended that a ship 
 should be laid apart as an hospital ship, and that 
 . another should be given to take a portion of con- 
 valescents to sea, for change of air. Unfortu- 
 nately however, there were no ships available at 
 that time ! 
 
 We will bring this melancholy picture to a 
 close, and trust that soon a change for the better 
 will take place — that a new order of things will 
 be established. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Wreck of the Indian Oak and Kite Transports — Capture of 
 Captain Anstruther. 
 
 The transport, Indian Oak, sailed from Chusan 
 in August, with despatches for the Governor- 
 General, and in October, a boat belonging to that 
 ship reached the harbour of Chusan, bringing 
 intelligence of her total loss on the coast of Lew 
 Chew. The islanders treated the passengers and 
 crew in the most friendly manner, fully bearing 
 out the character given them by Basil Hall. On 
 the ship going on the rocks, the inhabitants col- 
 lected in great numbers on the shore, offering 
 every assistance to save the ship-wrecked crew — 
 not to imprison, starve, and torture, but to feed 
 and clothe them. Wandering along the beach. 
 
WRECK OF THE INDIAN OAK. 
 
 25 
 
 they collected portions of the wreck, all of which 
 they handed over to the owners. They imme- 
 diately set to work to build a ship, to enable them 
 to leave the island, and on the arrival of H. M. 
 ships Nimrod and Cruizer, which the Commodore 
 had dispatched for the relief of the crew, the little 
 craft was ready for sea, and actually conveyed 
 them from the island of Lew Chew to Chusan ; 
 nor would the hospitable islanders receive any 
 reward for what they had done. 
 
 Contrast the description of the above wreck 
 with that of the Kite, armed transport, which 
 took place about the same time on the coast of 
 China. This vessel struck on a quicksand, in 
 which she immediately sunk, as far as the main 
 top-mast. To this the survivors clung for life, 
 with the exception of the captain’s wife, Mrs. 
 Noble, Lieutenant Douglas, R N., and two cabin- 
 boys, who succeeded in getting into one of the 
 ship’s boats, but without sails and without food, 
 and almost naked. After tossing about for a 
 couple of days, the boat drifted on shore. Here 
 Mrs. Noble was forcibly separated from her com- 
 panions in misfortune ; a heavy chain was put 
 
26 
 
 ILL USAGE OF MRS. NOBLE, 
 
 round her neck, and by this she was dragged, 
 bare-footed and bare-headed, through rivers and 
 over rocks, a distance of upwards of twenty 
 miles. Hungry and tired, she leant on her 
 keepers for support. In passing through cities, 
 the inhabitants crowded around her, hooting and 
 yelling frightfully ; and when permitted to rest, 
 the chain round her neck was fastened to a ring 
 in the prison wall. The Chinese at Canton, at 
 no time would permit an European woman to 
 proceed up the river to the British factories ; and 
 even from those who were brought to Macao 
 they exacted a large fine for presuming to come 
 to their country. Here, therefore, where never 
 European male nor female had ever trod, the 
 appearance of Mrs. Noble caused the greatest 
 excitement. Crowds from all parts flocked to 
 see her. They examined her height, the size of 
 her feet, the length of her hair, and, in short, 
 scrutinized her most minutely. She, poor woman, 
 suffering much both in body and in mind, for she 
 had lost a husband and a child in the wreck, was 
 obliged patiently to bear all ! When all appeared 
 satisfied, she was placed in a cage one yard high. 
 
AND THE CREW OF THE KITE. 
 
 27 
 
 three-quarters of a yard long, and half a yard 
 broad. The chain round her neck was locked to 
 the top, and heavy irons were placed on her 
 hands and feet ; a long bamboo was then passed 
 through the middle of the cage, at either end of 
 which a man was placed. For two days and 
 nights was she carried about in this cage, nor 
 was she permitted to get out on any account 
 whatever. At length she reached Ningpo, where 
 she had the satisfaction to meet with Lieutenant 
 Douglas, and all those that survived of the crew 
 of the Kite, the latter having been taken otF by a 
 native boat. They were now all placed in prison, 
 heavily chained. How different is the treatment 
 these unfortunate people received from that the 
 crew of the Indian Oak met with in Lew Chew ; 
 and yet this latter island is tributary to China. 
 
 The dull monotony existing at Chusan from 
 the difficulty of communication with the island 
 during the prevailing N.E. monsoon, and the 
 melancholy gloom cast over all in consequence of 
 the continued great mortality among the troops, 
 drove the officers to their shifts for means to pass 
 the time. Some were satisfied with laying in bed 
 
28 
 
 AMUSEMENTS OF THE OFFICERS. 
 
 all day ; others, more active, formed shooting ex- 
 cursions ; while others, anxious to acquire know- 
 ledge and to communicate it to the world, pro- 
 fiting hy their education, commenced a survey of 
 the island. Captain Anstruther, of the Madras 
 Artillery, was one of the latter. On the morning 
 of the 16th Sept, he had gone out as usual to sur- 
 vey, taking along with him his old Lascar. In the 
 evening, at mess, he was nowhere to he found. 
 Inquiry was immediately made, hut to no pur- 
 pose ; an armed party scoured the island in 
 search, but no trace of either he or his Lascar 
 could be discovered. A general favourite with 
 all, he was very much missed and regretted ; 
 the worst was dreaded, and the anxiety and fear 
 of all were much increased by a circumstance, in 
 itself trifling, which had happened the evening 
 before he disappeared : an officer, in passing by 
 Captain Anstruther’s tent on the evening in ques- 
 tion, was surprised to hear moaning and groaning 
 within. Fearing some one was unwell, he imme- 
 diately entered, and, to his surprise, perceived 
 Anstruther on his bed, writhing as if from pain. 
 On approaching he found him fast asleep ; and 
 
CAPTAIN ANSTRUTHER’S DREAM. 
 
 29 
 
 on being awoke, he said that he had been dream- 
 ing that the Chinese had surrounded him while 
 out surveying, that they were binding him hand 
 and foot, and that he was struggling to extricate 
 himself, when he was awakened. The dream was 
 told as a good joke that night at mess, and 
 nothing further was thought of it, until some one 
 recalled it to the recollection of all on the follow- 
 ing evening, when he was missing. As will 
 afterwards be shewn, the chief features of Captain 
 Anstruther’s dream turned out true, which cer- 
 tainly goes to prove that the theory of dreams is 
 not always fallacious. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 Arrival of the 37th M. N. I. in China — A typhoon in the 
 China seas — Her Majesty’s plenipotentiaries return from 
 Chusan, and proceed with the force to the Canton river — 
 The admiral goes home. 
 
 In noticing the arrival of a native regiment in 
 China, we would call the attention of our readers 
 to the importance of our Indian settlements in 
 carrying out a warfare with the celestial empire ; 
 not only do we find the Governor General of 
 India made, as it were, the fountain head of the 
 expedition, but it is from that vast country, over 
 which he holds almost imperial sway, that we 
 are enabled, from its proximity and natural quali- 
 fications, to derive our supplies, our transports 
 and their crews, and even the greater portion of 
 our army, whether,European or native. 
 
EMBARKATION OF TROOPS. 
 
 31 
 
 In a conversation with the Governor of Macao, 
 this latter was heard to observe, that no other 
 nation save England could at this moment en- 
 gage in a war of this description. “ For,” said 
 he, “ you have the key to all difficulties in its 
 operation — India, a country whence you may de- 
 rive all the means of warfare and, in truth, his 
 Excellency, whatever his real feelings towards 
 the invaders may be, was right in this respect. 
 
 With regard to native corps proceeding on 
 foreign service, there is a wide distinction be- 
 tween the Bengal, and what the Bengalees are 
 pleased to term the ‘ minor’ presidency — Madras, 
 In the former, it is necessary to call for volun- 
 teers from the various regiments to form the 
 number requisite, whereas, in the latter, any one 
 regiment among the fifty-two ordered, has but to 
 make its salaam for the honour, and obey. This 
 is attributed by the Bengalees to superiority of 
 caste, but we need not say which of the two is 
 the most advantageous. The 37th regiment, 
 N. L, sailed from Madras, in August, fully 
 equipped for field service, and mustering about 
 1000 bayonets. The men marched to the beach 
 
32 
 
 THE THETIS DISMASTED. 
 
 for embarkation, the air ringing with their native 
 “ deen,” or war-cry. The transport Golconda, 
 with the head quarters, sailed first ; the Minerva, 
 Sophia, and Thetis, following her in a few days. 
 In the China seas, we fell in with one of those 
 fearful typhoons, so frequently met with here ; 
 and in lat. 16°, on the 22nd September, the very 
 date and place in which Hapsburgh remarks, “ A 
 typhoon may here be expected,” was the Thetis 
 dismasted and rendered helpless ; the ship was 
 permitted to drift with wind and tide, till, on the 
 storm abating, jury masts were raised. On the 
 29th September she was close to the island of Ty- 
 loo, on a lee-shore, about forty miles from Macao, 
 and in six fathom water. Here they cast anchor, 
 which was hardly done when the ship was sur- 
 rounded with hundreds of very suspicious-look- 
 ing boats, evidently Ladrones. The presence of 
 so many troops on board must, however, have 
 terrified them, for they soon departed. A fish- 
 erman was enticed on board, and with the assist- 
 ance of the carpenter, a Chinaman, it was ex- 
 plained to him that if he took a letter to Macao, 
 leaving his family, who were in the boat, as host- 
 
ENCAMPMENT AT SAW CHOW. 
 
 33 
 
 ages, on his return he would receive a reward of 
 300 dollars. The man agreed ; his trust he exe- 
 cuted faithfully ; and on the third day after his 
 departure, he made his appearance in the Enter- 
 prise steamer, to the joy of all. The Thetis was 
 towed to Tonkoo Bay, where the protection af- 
 forded by the senior naval officer induced all the 
 merchant ships to resort for the purpose of trade. 
 After an ineffectual attempt to reach Chusan, the 
 N. E. monsoon having set in, the Minerva and 
 Sophia also returned to this anchorage. The 
 men were encamped on the small island of Saw 
 Chow opposite to this bay. Barren and unin- 
 habitable, this island possessed not one solitary 
 advantage. It consists of three conical-shaped 
 hills ; on the shoulder of the largest, and on a 
 small intervening plain, the encampment was 
 placed. Here were also 200 men of the Bengal 
 Volunteer corps. Reports soon became current 
 that a large body of troops was about to come 
 from Canton to drive us off this island. We 
 were, therefore, obliged to be on the qui vive, 
 more especially as, shortly before our arrival, an 
 attempt was made to set fire to the shipping by 
 
 D 
 
34 
 
 keshen’s clever negotiation. 
 
 fire rafts. On the island of Lantow, distant 
 about a couple of miles, was a Chinese camp. 
 The soldiers were daily to be seen at drill, but 
 they never molested us. The men, shortly after 
 being landed, began to suffer much from sick- 
 ness, attributable, in a great degree, to their ex- 
 posed situation. It is but justice here to re- 
 mark, that to the zeal and attention of Captain 
 Smith, of the Druid, senior naval officer, were the 
 officers and men on this island indebted for 
 every comfort that could be procured. 
 
 On the 20th November, the admiral and Cap- 
 tain Elliot arrived from Chusan ; it having been 
 stipulated by Keshen, that in consideration that 
 affairs would terminate peaceably, one-third of 
 the force should be removed from Chusan, a 
 general truce should be proclaimed, and nego- 
 tiations should be carried on at Canton, to which 
 city he himself should proceed for that purpose 
 with all practicable despatch. Never did wily 
 statesman so gull “ John Bull” as on this occa- 
 sion. Relying on the scrupulous good faith of 
 the very eminent person with whom negotiations 
 were pending, the plenipotentiaries at once agreed 
 
EVACUATION OF CHUSAN. 
 
 35 
 
 to the terms asked for. How foolish ! and how 
 often since that period has England had cause to 
 regret placing the honour of the country in the 
 hands of two such imbeciles. Had the force at 
 first destroyed the forts on the Bocca Tigris, and 
 afterwards the city of Canton, where the cause 
 of the present quarrel originated, and then pro- 
 ceeded to the Pieho, there, removed only eighty 
 miles from the capital of China, to insist on 
 their demands, the best informed in Chinese 
 matters are of opinion that they would never 
 have had reason to enforce them. 
 
 The Admiral took with him the three line of 
 battle ships, Wellesley, Melville, and Blenheim, 
 the Queen steamer, and Volage, 26 guns, which, 
 with the fleet at this anchorage, (consisting of the 
 Druid, 44, Calliope, Samarang, and Herald, 28 
 guns ; Larne, Hyacinth, Modeste, and Colum- 
 bine, corvettes ; and Sulphur, Starling, and 
 Louisa, surveying ships,) formed a very powerful 
 naval force. The troops, consisting of the 37th 
 regiment, M.N.L, and a detachment of the Bengal 
 Volunteers, a few days after the arrival of the 
 Admiral, embarked on board their respective 
 
 D 2 
 
36 ADMIRAL ELLIOT RETURNS TO ENGLAND. 
 
 transports, and proceeded, in company with the 
 fleet, to the mouth of the Canton river. 
 
 The head quarters of the 37th regiment, which 
 had sailed from Madras in the Golconda, some 
 days previous to the other portion of the corps, 
 had not, unfortunately, yet arrived. Much 
 anxiety was felt for their safety. 
 
 The Admiral, being seriously unwell, was, on 
 the 4th December, obliged to throw up his com- 
 mand, and return home in the Volage. Captain 
 Elliot was now sole plenipotentiary to H. M. in 
 China. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A visit to Macao — Cainoeus’ Cave — Small-feet women. 
 
 When weeks had passed in tiresome and un- 
 satisfactory negotiations between the British and 
 celestial powers, in company with several others, 
 I availed myself of an opportunity which occurred 
 to visit Macao. This city, as has already been 
 remarked, is built on the peninsula of an island, 
 called, by the Chinese, Gowman. The extreme 
 breadth of the Portuguese settlement is about 
 three quarters of a mile, and its length three 
 miles. The chief beauty of the town consists in 
 a long line of well built houses on the beach, 
 with a broad walk in front called the Pria Grande. 
 On the heights above the town, forts are built, 
 which certainly have the appearance of strength 
 
38 
 
 FORTIFICATIONS OF MACAO. 
 
 from without, but a glance into the interior 
 (which the Portuguese are not fond of granting) 
 will at once convince the most superficial ob- 
 server, that they would soon yield even to a 
 small nine pounder battery. True, there are 
 large guns in their forts, but like those of the 
 Chinese, they have vent-holes large enough to 
 allow the thumb to enter ; and their gun car- 
 riages would certainly tumble to pieces in the 
 first fire. The British merchants are the sole 
 prop and support of the town ; independent of 
 the money circulated by them, two-thirds of the 
 revenue is derived from a tax levied upon their 
 goods and property. 
 
 The Chinese authorities exercise supreme 
 sway over the city. In a few hours they have 
 the power of stopping all supplies ; not a house 
 can be built, nay, even a door cannot be made 
 to communicate between one house and another, 
 without first obtaining the permission of the 
 resident mandarin to do so. Robberies and as- 
 saults are of common occurrence in the city, but 
 no redress can be obtained ; the Portuguese 
 hand the party over to the Chinese authorities. 
 
PORTUGUESE IN MACAO. 
 
 39 
 
 who, in return, refer them to the Portuguese. 
 The majority of the Portuguese inhabitants are 
 the most wretched miserable looking beings pos- 
 sible. From constant intermarriages with the 
 Chinese, it is with difficulty that the natives of 
 the two separate countries can be distinguished, 
 and with the exception of the governor and his 
 staff, there is not one family with whom the 
 English associate. 
 
 There are about three hundred soldiers in the 
 town, all of whom originally came from Goa and 
 other Portuguese settlements in India, They 
 are respectful and well-dressed. The pay their 
 officers receive appears miserably small in our 
 estimation, though they themselves live very 
 comfortably on it. An ensign receives eight 
 dollars, a lieutenant ten, and a captain twenty 
 dollars a month, besides perquisites. 
 
 The greatest attraction in Macao is Mr. Beale’s 
 aviary, where the noble bird of paradise is seen. 
 This bird has been in Mr. Beale’s possession for 
 upwards of twenty years. Another place worth 
 visiting is Camoens’ Cave. It is situated in the 
 centre of a large garden, and is formed by several 
 
40 
 
 CAMOENS CAVE. 
 
 immense piles of granite rocks, thrown as if 
 casually together, a large hollow space being left 
 in the centre. It was here that Camoens com- 
 posed the Lusiades. An inscription over his 
 tomb denotes that he was born in 1524, and 
 died in 1579. 
 
 The chief curiosity to be seen at Macao is 
 an occasional small-foot woman. I was most 
 anxious to see and examine one of them, but my 
 repeated attempts to accomplish this proved 
 abortive, till at length, through the kindness 
 and influence of a friend, I succeeded. This is 
 really a most extraordinary deformity. That the 
 human foot was capable of being reduced by 
 mere compression to the size of those model- 
 shoes we have all seen at home, I never could 
 bring myself to believe till now. The smaller 
 the foot is, the more it is considered, by the 
 Chinese, as a beauty. If the girl promise to be 
 handsome, she is invariably crippled, so as to give 
 the finishing touch to her beauty. In the inte- 
 rior of the country, the habit is universal among 
 rich and poor ; but here, only those who have 
 some pretension to rank undergo the operation. 
 
SMALL FEET OF THE CHINESE WOMEN. 41 
 
 The poor creatures with the “ lily feet,” as they 
 term it, totter along, like one shuffling on their 
 heels only, without putting the fore part of the 
 foot to the ground. They stump about with 
 great apparent ease, but I certainly cannot agree 
 with those who say it adds gracefulness to their 
 gait. They reminded me, when first I saw them, 
 of a boy walking on stilts. The miserable crea- 
 ture destined to undergo this deformity, is, in in- 
 fancy and before the bones are completely ossi- 
 fied, placed in the operator’s hands. Shoes of 
 pasteboard, or leather, and in obstinate cases, of 
 wood or iron, are made to fit close to the foot : 
 these are retained in situ by a tight bandage. If 
 properly applied at first, it is not removed until 
 the foot is considered to be formed. Less pres- 
 sure is afterwards required, though a certain 
 degree of this is necessary throughout life to 
 cramp and impede the growth of the foot. The 
 young lady now presented to the reader was 
 about twenty-five years of age. For a Chinawoman 
 she was tall and well made, plump, rosy features, 
 chubby-cheeked, and delicately florid complexion. 
 On being introduced, she bowed gracefully, and 
 
42 
 
 EXAMINATION OF A 
 
 directed me to a seat. Having previously been 
 prepared to receive me, little explanation v/as 
 necessary. My friend, therefore, walked out, and 
 left us alone. I must confess, I now felt exceed- 
 ingly puzzled how to proceed. She understood 
 only Chinese and a little Portuguese, neither of 
 which languages was I versed in. We were not 
 above a few minutes alone, when she burst into 
 an immoderate fit of laughter. This gave me 
 confidence ; and, intent on my object, I pointed 
 to her feet, and was advancing towards her, 
 whereupon she immediately sprung from her 
 seat and disappeared at a side door with a ra- 
 pidity I never could have given her credit for. 
 Annoyed at having been thus used, I returned to 
 my friend, who was in an adjoining room, and re- 
 quested his intercession. The young lady again 
 appeared, but she would not permit me to touch 
 the deformed limb till it was explained to her 
 that I was a doctor, and merely wished to examine 
 her foot to satisfy curiosity, and that I would 
 not divulge what I had seen, (for they cannot 
 bear its being afterwards repeated that their feet 
 have been submitted to the gaze of any of the 
 
CHINESE lady’s FOOT. 
 
 43 
 
 other sex, more especially to barbarians,) and till, 
 what was perhaps the best placebo of all, I had 
 slipped a few dollars into the pocket of her 
 apron. When again left alone, she unfolded the 
 bandage, on the removal of which, the state of 
 filth the foot presented convinced me that the 
 general opinion is correct — viz., that the limb is 
 seldom exposed, even for the purpose of cleanli- 
 ness. A cursory glance at the deformed limb 
 would lead even a professional man to suppose 
 that a partial amputation had been performed, 
 wherein the metatarsal bones (those immediately 
 articulating with the toes) had been removed. 
 On a closer inspection, the great toe was found 
 to end in a sharp rough point, having at its ex- 
 tremity what might either be construed into a 
 shapeless nail, or a portion of bone protruding, 
 from not having been properly protected by the 
 flap after an amputation. On the upper surface 
 of the foot there was no peculiar appearance, 
 save that the smaller toes appeared to terminate 
 in a knuckle-like point. On examining the sole 
 of the foot, I was surprised to see the four small 
 
44 
 
 EXAMINATION OF A 
 
 toes bent under and deeply imbedded in the soft 
 substance of the foot, and in a wonderful degree 
 capable of flexion and extension. In the foot 
 itself there was no motion, the joint, I presume, 
 having been anchylosed (or a bony union formed) 
 by constant pressure. This, however, I after- 
 wards found not to be the case, for on examining 
 a skeleton foot I found the bones all separate, but 
 displaced. The ancle was thickened, its capa- 
 bility of motion being in a great degree curtailed. 
 The calf of the leg was round and well propor- 
 tioned. The extreme length of the foot was 
 three inches and a quarter ; yet, when properly 
 bandaged and shod, this young lady hobbled up 
 and down her stair with apparent ease. 
 
 The pain and irritation excited hy the horrid 
 process of cramping the foot, as well as the want 
 of exercise, must, it will be supposed, materially 
 injure the general health. This, however, is not 
 allowed to be the case. Subsequent to the above 
 period, I met some children who were passing 
 through the usual ordeal of perfecting beauty, 
 whose pallid, sickly look contrasted greatly with 
 
CHINESE lady’s FOOT, 
 
 45 
 
 the healthy, rude appearance of the poorer 
 Chinese, who teach their children at a very early 
 age to assist in all domestic employments. 
 
 It would be as difficult to account for the origin 
 of this barbarous practice of the Chinese, as for 
 that of squeezing the waists of English women 
 out of all natural shape by stays, or flattening 
 the heads amongst the natives on the Columbia. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Letter from Captain Anstruther — Melancholy accounts 
 from Chusan — The missing Golconda — The Nemesis 
 Steamer. 
 
 When last we parted with Captain Anstruther, 
 we left our readers in uneertainty as to the fate 
 of that officer. Let them not, however, for a 
 moment suppose that his brother officers re- 
 mained inactive in the matter. Anstruther had 
 frequently, on his return in the evening, amused 
 his companions with the occurrences of the day, — 
 how he had met with such assistance and extra- 
 ordinary attention on the part of the Chinese — 
 how they used to collect about him, examine 
 every portion of his dress, his instruments, his 
 sketches, &c. — and how, at length, they became 
 so familiarized with each other, that while one 
 
CAPTURE OF CAPTAIN ANSTRUTHER. 47 
 
 sat for his likeness, others surrounded him, and, 
 looking over his shoulder, admired the resem- 
 blances. He was repeatedly warned not to per- 
 mit such familiarity, and that from the well- 
 known character of the Chinese, he should treat 
 them as rogues until they proved themselves 
 honest men. He was confident they meant him 
 no harm. Their laughing, good-natured coun- 
 tenances so dispelled all alarm, that latterly he 
 went out without his pistols, and sometimes 
 alone. This was wdiat the cunning scoundrels 
 all along aimed at. 
 
 The direction he had taken on the day he dis- 
 appeared was well known ; thither, therefore, his 
 friends, with an armed party, directed their steps, 
 and seizing the head men of the villages, threat- 
 ened them with death unless they immediately 
 divulged all they knew on the subject. The 
 cringing cowards at length confessed that he had 
 been carried off to Ningpo by an armed party of 
 soldiers, who, in disguise, had been watching 
 him some days ; and prostrating themselves to 
 the earth, declared that they were in no way in- 
 strumental in capturing him. When it had been 
 
48 
 
 A FAITHFUL CHINESE. 
 
 satisfactorily ascertained that this story was cor- 
 rect, application was made to the authorities to 
 insist upon and enforce the release, not only of 
 Captain Anstruther, but also of the whole of 
 the other prisoners at Ningpo. This, however, 
 they declined, although the whole of them had 
 been seized after the truce agreed upon at 
 the Pieho had been sealed. When all resorts 
 to effect a communication privately with the 
 captives by their friends at Chusan had failed, 
 Anstruther himself, by his peculiarly fascinating 
 and winning manners, met with better success. 
 One evening, towards the beginning of the month 
 of November, a man made his appearance in the 
 artillery camp. He was the bearer of a private 
 letter from Anstruther to Colonel Montgomerie, 
 commanding his corps. From that day till the 
 period of his release this man was true to his 
 employer. Previous to this period, however, 
 official intercourse was carried on with the man- 
 darins at Ningpo, who made no objections to re- 
 ceive money, clothes, and provisions for the 
 prisoners, all of which were scrupulously handed 
 over to them. 
 
CAPTAIN ANSTRUTHEr’s NARRATIVE. 49 
 
 The following extract of a letter, written by 
 Captain Anstruther in prison, and forwarded to 
 his friends, at Chusan, by his faithful Blondell, as 
 he termed him, on account of his loyalty and 
 honesty, I must here insert, as explaining fully 
 and particularly the manner in which he was 
 captured, and his treatment in prison ; — 
 
 “ On Wednesday, 16th September, 1840, I 
 left camp at ten o’clock, a.m., and passed out 
 from the northern gate of Tinghae, about 1000 
 or 1200 yards, where there are several houses and 
 gardens, and from whence a road branches off to 
 the westward. Proceeding along this road, I 
 ascended the pass between the hills, and then, 
 turning to the left, gained the top of a knoll, 
 where I pitched a small dag, and took sundry 
 bearings, in order to facilitate the survey in 
 w^hich I was engaged. 
 
 “From the knoll, I went to the westward of 
 the pass, and in a very short time was sensible 
 that I had gone too far. My path led by a joss- 
 house on the right, which was so overhung wdth 
 trees on each side, as to make it quite dark. I 
 determined, so soon as I could get through this 
 
 E 
 
50 CAPTAIN ANSTRUTHEr’S NARRATIVE. 
 
 dark and dangerous-looking place, to return to 
 camp ; but on reaching the end of the grove, I 
 found that I was followed by a crowd. I now 
 turned to the left, meaning to ascend the hill 
 again. I had hardly turned, when a Chinese 
 soldier, rushing out from the crowd, struck fu- 
 riously at my only attendant, an old Lascar, 
 who, to avoid the blow, and in great alarm, ran 
 up to me. Taking from him the iron spade 
 which he had used to pitch the flag-staff, I met 
 the soldier and drove him back, but a number of 
 others, armed with double-pronged spears, re- 
 newed the charge. I now bade the Lascar to 
 make the best of his way up the hill, thinking 
 the Chinese would only follow me ; but the 
 faithful old man refused to leave me ; moreover, 
 the armed people collected on the hill-side, so as 
 to cut off, if possible, all chance of escape in 
 that direction ; I therefore determined to at- 
 tempt to force my way through the long valley. 
 
 “ I am but a bad runner, and my poor old 
 servant was worse ; so I went slowly along the 
 valley, turning round now and then to keep the 
 Chinese at bay. Meantime the whole population 
 
CAPTAIN ANSTRUTHEr’s NARRATIVE. 51 
 
 of the valley gathered with loud shouts in our 
 front, and it was evidently a hopeless job. I 
 could not get my old man to leave me and try to 
 escape unnoticed, so we went on together. At a 
 turn in the path, I was opposed by a few scoun- 
 drels with sticks and stones. I charged them, 
 and they all got round me, and then my poor 
 old man ran back about 80 yards, where he was 
 struck down. I have an inexpressible reluctance 
 to write what follows, but must. I attempted 
 to force my way towards him, but could not ; 
 and I saw the inhuman villains pounding his 
 head with large stones, as he lay with his face 
 downward. I cannot doubt that he died. 
 
 “ I now saw that attempt at flight was useless, 
 and, expecting a fate similar to that of my Lascar, 
 I set to work to make the rascals pay for it, and 
 fought my best — numbers of course prevailed, 
 and I was knocked down. Instead of dashing 
 out my brains, they bound me hand and foot, 
 and tied a large gag in my mouth. Then taking 
 a large bamboo, they hammered my knees just 
 over the knee-cap, to prevent any possibility of 
 escape. I was then carried to a village about ten 
 
 E 2 
 
52 CAPTAIN ANSTRUTIIEr’s NARRATIVE. 
 
 miles west of the camp. Here we waited till 
 night-fall, my conductors comforting me by re- 
 peating the word Ningpo, and by drawing their 
 hands across their throats. At midnight I was 
 placed in a boat, and arrived at Ningpo in the 
 afternoon of the following day. I was now sent 
 to jail, and forced into a cage one yard long, one 
 yard high, and two feet wide. In this cage, 
 heavy irons were placed on my hands and feet, 
 an iron ring attached to the roof of the cage was 
 put round my neck, to which my handcuffs were 
 also locked. At night, a chain was also locked 
 to my leg-irons, and the jailer, with a light, slept 
 close to me. 
 
 “ These irons weighed, I suppose, about 181bs., 
 and were worn by me for four weeks. I was fre- 
 quently taken before the magistrates, who at all 
 times inquired particularly about our steamers. 
 One day I offered to sketch one, which sketch so 
 pleased their honours, that they gave me a good 
 dinner, and some hot water to wash off the 
 blood and dirt which had accumulated during 
 the struggle. I found my head handsomely 
 laid open to the bone — my legs and arms co- 
 
BETTEIl TREATMENT OF PRISONERS. 
 
 53 
 
 vered with bruises, but no wounds of any con- 
 sequence. 
 
 “ Some days after my capture, I was surprised 
 to meet at the magistrate’s, Mr. Noble, my friend 
 Lieut. Douglas of the navy, and several Euro- 
 peans, who informed me they had been wrecked 
 on the coast, and had been carried prisoners into 
 Ningpo.” 
 
 From this period the prisoners met with better 
 treatment, chiefly through the intercessions of 
 Capt. Anstruther. The mandarins were very 
 fond of having their portraits taken, and as 
 Anstruther excelled in this art, he was, there- 
 fore, frequently brought before them. At first 
 he was all submission ; latterly, however, he 
 claimed, as a reward for his labours, either better 
 food or more extended liberty, until which was 
 granted, he withheld the picture if taken, or 
 refused altogether to sketch one. 
 
 There is an amusing anecdote told of him 
 when in confinement, which is said to have come 
 in a private letter from himself. One day a 
 mandarin sent him a very savoury stew, gar- 
 nished with sharks’ fins and birds’ nests, in com- 
 
54 
 
 ANECDOTE, 
 
 pensation for a likeness which he had taken of 
 the nodding gentleman. Anstruther having 
 tasted the delicious contents, gave an inqui- 
 sitive look at the attendant, and pointing to the 
 stew, said — “ Quack, quack, quack ?” The ser- 
 vant shook his head, and replied, “ Bow, wow, 
 wow.” 
 
 It has been well remarked — “That the most fatal 
 and mischievous errors are constantly occurring 
 from the want of some distinct and well-defined 
 knowledge of military hygeiana, will be self- 
 evident to all who study, with a sufficient degree 
 of care and attention, the history of the Anglo- 
 Indian army, from the earliest occupation of the 
 country to the present day. The improper se- 
 lection of encamping grounds, the malposition of 
 barracks and lines, the undue exposure of the 
 men to the noxious influence of the atmosphere, 
 the misdirected zeal of many commanding offi- 
 cers in fixing upon injurious times for parades, 
 punishments, &c., have furnished a frightful cata- 
 logue of mortality, far outnumbering the devas- 
 tating destruction of the sword, or the deadly 
 march of the most destructive pestilence. It is 
 
MORTALITY AT CHUSAN. 
 
 55 
 
 painful to contemplate the reckless waste of 
 human life and large expenditure of treasure 
 which have resulted from these and similar 
 causes, completely within the control of man, 
 and requiring the exercise of a verj'’ small amount 
 of intellect and trouble on the part of those upon 
 whose fiat the fate of thousands depend.” As 
 an illustration of the truth of these remarks, 
 many instances are familiar to all, such as the 
 Walcheren expedition, the destruction of the 
 French army sent to re-conquer Saint Domingo, 
 and our present occupation of Chusan. From 
 this latter settlement the most heart-rending ac- 
 counts continued to be received ; the 26th Came- 
 ronians sufiered most. This regiment, which 
 sailed from Calcutta upwards of 900 strong — a 
 pattern to all other corps for sobriety and good 
 conduct, its average mortality during the pre- 
 vious ten years being barely twenty — was, in 
 the short space of three months, reduced to 291. 
 The entire amount of force on the island did not, 
 on the 1st of January, 1841, exceed 1900 men. 
 Many hundred cotfins were found on first taking 
 possession of Chusan, it being a common habit 
 
5G 
 
 READY-MADE COFFINS. 
 
 with the Chinese, when they become independent, 
 to get a coffin made, and keep it by them till 
 theii’ death. These coffins were at first found 
 useful for fire-wood, hut as applications for them 
 increased, this means of disposing of them was 
 put a stop to. It was by no means an uncommon 
 occurrence for an application to be made to the 
 first adjutant, for nine, twelve, and upwards daily. 
 At length deaths became so common, that 
 neither coffins were required, nor were military 
 honours paid the departed. Heaped one upon 
 another, the corpses were consigned to the 
 earth, and thought no more of. Several of the 
 houses in the suburbs being still unoccupied by 
 the Chinese, it was now agreed upon by all that 
 our men should enter them, more especially as 
 the cold weather had set in. From this period 
 dates the improvement in the health of the force. 
 
 Encounters, some of an amusing nature, were 
 of frequent occurrence about this time at Chusan. 
 On one occasion, two middies — one fifteen, the 
 other thirteen years old — went out on a foraging 
 excursion for the benefit of their mess. They 
 had taken the precaution to carry with them a 
 
KIDNAPPING A MIDDY. 
 
 57 
 
 double-barrelled gun, loaded with ball. Proceed- 
 ing inland, they soon met a Fokee in charge of a 
 flock of goats. The younger of the boys now 
 tried to strike a bargain, and sporting his dollars 
 rather too freely, advanced towards the latter, 
 who, however, instead of receiving the dollars, 
 caught the hoy in his arms and was running 
 away wdth him. His progress, however, was 
 soon stopped j the elder boy having, on seeing 
 his companion seized, advanced, and placing the 
 muzzle of his piece to the Chinaman’s ear, blew 
 his brains out ; whereupon some men who were 
 looking on proceeded to seize the boys. The 
 latter stood still till the foremost was within shot. 
 The younger boy now snatching the gun out of 
 his companion’s hand, said it was his turn now 
 to have a shot. He fired, and lodged the con- 
 tents of the second barrel in the man’s chest. 
 The remainder of the Chinamen, not much lik- 
 ing the aspect of affairs, took to their heels. 
 
 All hope of the ill-fated “ Golconda” was 
 now at an end. With reference to this subject 
 it was remarked, in a Bengal journal — “The 
 last account which we are ever likely to hear of 
 
58 
 
 LOSS OF THE GOLCONDA 
 
 the unfortunate Golconda is now given. She 
 was seen in the China seas, all well, on the 18th 
 September, 1840. Soon afterwards came on the 
 terrific gale, in which she is supposed to have 
 perished, with one half the officers and men 
 of the 37th regiment Madras Native Infantry. 
 This vessel was unseaworthy, and was known to 
 be such before she was engaged. No conscien- 
 tious man would have risked the lives of others 
 in her.” It will be recollected, that it was on 
 the 22nd September that the Thetis was dis- 
 masted and so nearly lost. On that date, too, it 
 is supposed the Golconda must have foundered. 
 This is an awful warning of the results of engag- 
 ing inferior class vessels for transport service. 
 The mortality on this occasion far exceeded that 
 which attended the ill-starred President. 
 
 Early in December, the Nemesis, steamer, 
 direct from England, joined the fleet. She is a 
 great acquisition to the force : being built entirely 
 of iron, and drawing only four feet water, she is 
 in every way well adapted for the creeks and 
 shoal water in this neighbourhood, in which the 
 war-junks take refuge on being hard pushed. 
 
CAPTAIN HALL. 
 
 59 
 
 Captain Hall, R. N., her commander, is a bold 
 and resolute officer, whose repeated acts of gal- 
 lantry have already been rewarded by Her Ma- 
 jesty, and have called forth the admiration and 
 praise of all who have been witness to them. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Treacherous conduct of the imperial commissioner — Massacre 
 of six mandarins — Battles of Cheumpee and Tycoctow. 
 
 Keshen’s first act on reaching Canton was to 
 release the Rev. Mr. Stanton and other pri- 
 soners who had been seized at Macao shortly 
 before his arrival. All gave him credit for act- 
 ing with openness and honesty ; an ample 
 apology was made for an accidental shot that 
 had been fired on a flag of truce in the Queen 
 steamer, and which divided one of the iron bars 
 of her paddle-wheel ; and negotiations went on. 
 Keshen gave out that the full power of settling 
 all differences rested with him, that he held the 
 imperial sign manual, and that he ardently de- 
 sired to bring things to a favourable termination. 
 
TREACHERY OF KESHEN. 
 
 61 
 
 Lin, who it was at one time supposed had been 
 recalled, was still suspected to be at Canton, and 
 by command of his sovereign directed to watch 
 over Keshen’s acts. At this time the reply of 
 Captain Elliot always was, “ Negotiations are 
 proceeding satisfactorily, and in ten days or a 
 fortnight all will be settled.” Thus nearly two 
 months passed over our heads, during which 
 time workmen were seen employed, day and 
 night, in strengthening and extending the bat- 
 teries and defences on shore. At those of Che- 
 umpee, removed about gun-shot range from the 
 more advanced ships of the squadron, troops 
 were daily collecting, and their out-posts becom- 
 ing more numerous. Boats which supplied the 
 ships wdth fresh meat and vegetables, and had 
 accompanied them from Saw Chow, wmuld not 
 now leave the ships, to which they respectively 
 attached themselves, and proceed on shore for 
 supplies, giving as a reason that they were afraid 
 of being seized by the mandarins. It was evi- 
 dent to all that a crisis w’^as approaching. From 
 Tonkoo Bay, and the neighbourhood of Lintin, 
 where, as has been shewm, the whole of the mer- 
 
62 
 
 TREACHERY OF KESHEN. 
 
 chant fleet lay, intelligence was received of that 
 nature which convinced us all that Keshen was 
 playing a double part. That crafty minister, 
 well knowing that the chief portion of our force 
 was at anchor off Cheumpee, at which place he 
 had collected a large land and sea force, suffi- 
 cient in his opinion, if not for aggressive, at any 
 rate for defensive purposes, resolved as a primary 
 measure to destroy the merchant shipping. With 
 that view he constructed fire rafts on a great 
 scale, and directing his emissaries to superintend 
 this work of destruction, he established, it was 
 generally supposed, his own head quarters at the 
 Bocca Tigris, which is distant about a league 
 from the batteries of Cheumpee. Deep as his 
 schemes were, they did not escape our notice ; 
 in fact, his own countrymen were the first to 
 publish them. The mandarins who had been 
 sent to Tonkoo Bay, six in number, were prowl- 
 ing about the villages situated in that neighbour- 
 hood, for the purpose, not only of collecting 
 volunteers to their ranks, but also of taking 
 down the names and description of those China- 
 men who supported and frequented the shipping. 
 
BOILING A M/NDARIN. 
 
 63 
 
 Here, however, they reckoned without their 
 host ; their purpose becoming suspected, the 
 latter were forced to adopt measures of self-de- 
 fence. Taking the party by surprise, a scuffle, in 
 which several lives were lost, ensued, and the 
 mandarins fell into the hands of the mob. The 
 chief they boiled alive in oil, and the five others, 
 bound hand and foot, were chained in a boat 
 which had previously been filled with combusti- 
 bles of every description, and drifting out to sea 
 with the tide, suffered a fearful and awful death. 
 Even the vacillating Elliot now began to suspect 
 treachery, more especially as Keshen had re- 
 fused to reply to, and latterly even did not ac- 
 knowledge, any of his communications. An im- 
 perial edict was about this time received and 
 widely circulated in Canton and other provin- 
 cial cities, breathing forth everlasting extermina- 
 tion to the barbarians, and annulling the armis- 
 tice announced in the month of November. 
 Affairs were in this state, when, on the 6th of 
 January, it was determined that if no communi- 
 cation was received from Keshen before the fol- 
 lowing morning, the forts and out- works of Che- 
 
64 
 
 CHINESE FORTS. 
 
 u rupee and Tycocktow should be stormed — the 
 latter being on the western side of the channel, 
 and built in shape like a horse-shoe, having a 
 powerful battery of 25 guns fronting the water. 
 This appears a favourite mode with the Chinese 
 of constructing their forts, the side walls being 
 intended not only to check the approach of an 
 enemy, but also for the purpose of preventing 
 the escape of their own soldiers. Those of Che- 
 umpee, for they consist of an extended line of 
 batteries, are on the eastern side of their river, 
 and separated from the forts of Anunghoi by 
 Anson’s Bay On the hill, immediately above 
 the fort of Cheumpee, is a watch tower, around 
 which a strong fortification had recently been 
 built, and guns planted. In the valleys, between 
 hills, and at every position at which an approach 
 was likely to be made, temporary stockades had 
 been erected, and to the south of the hill fort of 
 Cheumpee, a high wall was built, which ex- 
 tended to the base of the hill, partially encircling 
 it ; it then stretched across a deep valley, and 
 up the face of an adjoining hill. Along this 
 wall was a deep dry fosse ; on its summit were 
 
DISPOSITIONS FOR ATTACK. 
 
 65 
 
 broken glass and sharp spikes, and pieces of 
 Bamboo in shape of chevaux de frieze, and strongly 
 palisaded at all points. None of those latter de- 
 fences were in existence when the fleet originally 
 arrived ofl" Cheumpee. 
 
 The period allotted to receive a reply from 
 Keshen having expired, on the morning of the 
 7th, the troops disembarked on the island of 
 Cheumpee, at a small bay, removed from the 
 enemy’s position about three miles, and sepa- 
 rated from it by rising ground and intervening 
 valleys. The land force was commanded by 
 Major Pratt, H. M. 26th regiment, and con- 
 sisted of Royal Artillery, and marines, and sea- 
 men, 674 ; 37th regiment, M. N. I , 607 ; and 
 Bengal Volunteers, 76. They were also joined 
 by about 100 invalids who had about this time 
 arrived from Chusan. The artillery, with one 
 brass howitzer and two nine-pounders, took up a 
 commanding position, about 300 yards from the 
 hill fort. H. M. ships Calliope, Larne, and 
 Hyacinth, under Captain Herbert, proceeded to 
 bombard the lower fort, while the steamers, 
 Nemesis and Queen, threw shells into the hill 
 
 F 
 
GG 
 
 AFFAIR AT CHEUMPEE. 
 
 fort and entrenchments on the inner side — the 
 Wellesley and other large ships moving up into 
 mid-channel, in case they might be required. 
 The enemy kept up an uninterrupted fire for 
 about an hour, the balls passing over our heads. 
 Had their guns been a little more depressed, 
 much mischief would have been done. When 
 their firing had slackened a little, the infantry 
 advanced. Three companies of the 37th regi- 
 ment were detached to intercept the enemy in 
 their flight, the main body of the force ad- 
 vancing directly upon the wall, already men- 
 tioned as partially surrounding the base of the 
 hill. On the wall were several small field pieces 
 and ginjalls, and from behind it matchlock men 
 were directing their fire upon our advance. 
 Barbed rockets, arrows, &c., were also showered 
 down upon us in great numbers. After a short 
 struggle, we succeeded in clearing this wall ; the 
 column then divided, one portion ascending to- 
 wards the hill fort, while the other proceeded 
 round the base of the hill to the lower fort. The 
 former was found deserted, but from the latter, 
 and from a wooded hill near it, the enemy still 
 
DEFEAT OF THE CHINESE. 
 
 67 
 
 kept up a brisk tire. A party of marines soon 
 dislodged them from the wooded hill, and our 
 well-directed tire upon the lower fort soon 
 obliged the Chinese to evacuate it. The tlying 
 enemy were now mowed down in every direction. 
 Finding escape no longer possible, they con- 
 cealed themselves wherever opportunity offered, 
 some in out-houses and behind walls, and thence, 
 when not perceived, attacking their captors, 
 which soon brought upon themselves indiscrimi- 
 nate slaughter ; others, taking to the water, met 
 with the same fate, and those who, from the 
 distance they had gone from the fort, had flat- 
 tered themselves that their escape was safe, were 
 cut off by the detached companies of the 37th 
 regiment. Several small mines had exploded 
 during the day, without doing much injury. It 
 was when all was over, and the troops were rest- 
 ing after the fatigues of the day, that a large 
 mine exploded, in which, with several others, I 
 happened to sustain some injury, having been 
 not only exalted several feet, but also consider- 
 ably scorched, and bruised by the fall of bricks 
 and other missiles. 
 
68 
 
 CAPTURE OF TYCOCKTOW. 
 
 The Nemesis meantime was engaged in burn- 
 ing and destroying the war-junhs in the neigh- 
 bourhood. The first congreve rocket she fired 
 passed through the magazine of the admiral’s 
 junk, and blew her up wdth a crew of 150 men. 
 Thirteen junks, in all, were destroyed; the steamer 
 followed them into the creeks, and with her 
 grappling-irons dragged several out at a time, and 
 afterwards set fire to them, the shot in their 
 guns going off as they became heated. In the 
 forts of Cheumpee there were 82 guns, and in 
 the war-junks about the same number. The 
 strength of the enemy in this position was about 
 2000, of whom, 600 must have been killed, and 
 as many wounded. In the meantime the fort of 
 Tycocktow was attacked and carried by the 
 division under command of Captain Scott, con- 
 sisting of the Druid, Samarang, Modeste, and 
 Columbine. In half an hour from the com- 
 mencement, a practicable breach was made in 
 this fort. The crews landed, and, entering the 
 breach, carried the place by storm. In doing 
 this there was some hard fighting ; the Chinese, 
 displaying determination and strength, w^ere 
 
CELESTIAL BOASTING. 
 
 69 
 
 soon, however, obliged to yield. At this fort 
 there were about thirty dead bodies discovered, 
 but many were found afterwards, on the sides of 
 the hills above the fort, who had died of their 
 wounds. 
 
 Thus, after an engagement of a few hours, fell 
 Cheumpee and Tycocktow. The former (for- 
 tunately for its moral effect) was carried chiefly 
 by the land forces. The Chinese allow us to be 
 superior to them at sea, but on shore, hand to 
 hand, they fancy themselves far superior. “ Let 
 the barbarians,” remarked General Loo, in a 
 memorial to the emperor, “ but meet the im- 
 perial troops on shore, and though there be ten 
 of them against one son of heaven, the celestial 
 forces must conquer — nay, even the very rocks 
 must melt before the terrific splendour of our 
 arms, and at the dreadful thunder of our ar- 
 tillery.” 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The day after tlie battle — Flag of truce and treaty of peace — 
 Columbine sails for Chusan. 
 
 On the morning after the events detailed in 
 the last chapter, the steamers were again busily 
 employed in taking in troops, and distributing 
 them to the several small ships of war, for the 
 purpose of facilitating their landing ; the squad- 
 ron had all weighed, and were proceeding to 
 take up their several positions opposite the 
 North Wang-Tong and Anunghoi forts, and the 
 steamer, Nemesis, had commenced her work 
 of destruction, by throwing shell and rockets, 
 with beautiful precision, among a large body of 
 the enemy, who were drawn up on the Anunghoi 
 island to oppose our landing. 
 
THE DAY AFTER THE BATTLE. 
 
 71 
 
 Suddenly the eyes of all were directed towards 
 the Wellesley, from which ship a gun was fired, 
 and a white flag raised at the main. 
 
 The appearance of this flag of truce was very 
 disheartening to all who, flushed with the success 
 of yesterday, and not yet satisfied wdth the quan- 
 tity of human bloodshed, were eager to dip their 
 hands yet more deeply into it. 
 
 How little does a victorious army think, when 
 reckoning on the numbers of the dead and 
 wounded enemy, that these, too, had friends 
 who deplore their loss and weep for their fate. 
 To survey a battle-field after an engagement, 
 and to behold the ground covered with the 
 corpses of those who, hut a few hours before, 
 were in the full enjoyment of that health which 
 our Creator has given us, but who now he dead 
 and cold, their bodies mangled and torn to pieces 
 by shot and by shell, and the green grass dyed 
 with their life’s blood, would, it will naturally 
 be supposed, excite feelings of compassion or 
 remorse, more especially to those who have not 
 been hardened and rendered callous by such 
 sights, and have ever been accustomed to regard 
 
72 
 
 FLAG OF TRUCE. 
 
 the dead body with fear and with awe ; but with 
 few only, I suspect, are such feelings present. 
 At no time does man so nearly resemble the 
 brute animal as in the field of battle, when two 
 parties meet, each striving to obtain the mastery 
 at the expense of life ; then do all the finer 
 feelings vanish, and the conqueror surveys his 
 victim with a proud satisfaction, and he points to 
 him afterwards as a fine specimen of one of God’s 
 created beings. Such are the effects of Avar, 
 and such were the callous feelings of the ma- 
 jority who proceeded to survey the battle-field 
 of Cheumpee, when disappointed in prosecuting 
 the work of destruction. 
 
 The true cause of the sudden appearance of 
 the white flag was soon known. The com- 
 mandant of the fort had sent to request of 
 Captain Elliot a truce for three days, to enable 
 him to communicate with Keshen, who, he stated, 
 was at Canton. The truce was readily granted. 
 Working parties were, therefore, in the mean- 
 time busily employed in destroying the forts and 
 batteries AA^hich yesterday fell into our hands ; in 
 rendering the guns unserAuceable, and in bury- 
 
THE BATTLE FIELD. 
 
 73 
 
 ing the dead ; while the more compassionate 
 among the surgeons were attending the wounded, 
 and alleviating their sufferings. 
 
 The slaughter on the Cheumpee side wa3 
 dreadful ; independent of those bodies on shore, 
 the sea was quite blackened with floating corpses, 
 and the beach for miles around was strewed with 
 them. On shore, the dead, in many places, lay 
 heaped one upon another ; at one place, where 
 resistance had been greatest, the dead lay piled 
 several feet high. It was here that the heetac, or 
 brigadier, was found ; he was a tall and powerful 
 man, and was killed by a musket bullet through 
 his chest. His son, who was observed to fight 
 most manfully by his side, on finding that his 
 father was dead, leaped into the water, and there 
 perished. Many bodies were dreadfully scorched 
 and disfigured, from the burning of their gar- 
 ments padded with cotton, which were set on fire 
 by their lighted matches as they fell, wounded, 
 upon them. Some, indeed had been literally 
 blown up from the explosion of their cartridge 
 boxes, which are always worn around their waists. 
 The appearance inside the fort was horrifying in 
 
74 
 
 THE ROAD TO GLORY. 
 
 the extreme. There the round shot and shell 
 had done fearful execution. The walls, in many 
 places, were bespattered with brains ; and it was 
 difficult to discover whether the mangled re- 
 mains before you ever possessed the human 
 shape. Close to the site of the explosion of the 
 mine, many of the enemy must have secreted 
 themselves ; but now a blent, blackened, smoul- 
 dering, stinking mass was all that remained to 
 point out their mortal remains. About 200 bodies 
 were thrown into a deep pit immediately under 
 the hill fort, and about half that number in an 
 adjoining one. Some careless, thoughtless Jacks 
 employed in this operation, raised a board over 
 the former, with the inscription — “ This is the 
 road to gloary,” printed upon it. 
 
 The poorer Chinese shewed no appearance of 
 fear at our having taken Cheumpee. Many of 
 them, a few days after the engagement, came to 
 recover the dead bodies of the slain, which they 
 exhumed ; and, although in a state of decompo- 
 sition, they carried them away in coffins, hun- 
 dreds of which had been brought from Canton 
 for the purpose. One old small-foot woman. 
 
DISMANTLING THE FORTS. 
 
 75 
 
 who made herself conspicuous on the 7th, run- 
 ning about wildly, crying aloud, “ You have 
 killed my two sons ; you have burned my house, 
 and stolen my property — kill me too !” — appears 
 now to have domesticated herself with our men, 
 and assists in cooking their food. Poor wretch, 
 she, like many others, lost that day all she held 
 dear ! Alas ! what a cruel monster is man, thus 
 to destroy the only bonds which, even in the 
 most savage country, bind us to each other, and 
 make life a comfort and a pleasure. 
 
 The forts, on both sides the channel, were in a 
 few days dismantled ; the guns spiked, their trun- 
 nions knocked off, and cold shot rammed home 
 into them ; and the rough gun-carriages burned 
 or otherwise destroyed, so that they could not 
 possibly again be rendered efficient. The bum- 
 boats, compradors, and fishermen, gaining con- 
 fidence by our boldness, continued to frequent 
 the fleet in great numbers ; they expressed 
 great dread of falling into the hands of the man- 
 darins. There are hundreds who would be glad 
 to join us if they had encouragement. Never 
 was there so despotic a government as the 
 
76 
 
 CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES. 
 
 Chinese ; yet there is no struggle for freedom, 
 for power appals them. 
 
 The third day had passed, and the period of 
 truce was at an end, yet there were no signs of 
 a renewal of hostilities ; and Captain Elliot, by 
 public proclamation, on the fourth day, an- 
 nounced a cessation of hostilities, and a con- 
 clusion of preliminary arrangements between 
 the imperial high commissioner and himself, in- 
 volving certain conditions, — of which the chief 
 were — 1st, The cession of the island of Hong- 
 Kong to the British Crown ; 2nd, An indemnity 
 of six million of dollars to the British govern- 
 ment ; 3rd, Direct official intercourse between 
 the two countries, upon equal footing ; and, 4th, 
 The re-opening of the trade at Canton. On its 
 being intimated to the Chinese, that we laid 
 claim to the island of Cheumpee by right of con- 
 quest, Keshen replied, “ How can you ask to 
 have a place where you have killed so many 
 men? their spirits would haunt you for ever.” 
 The intention of retaining this position was 
 afterwards abandoned. On the part of Great 
 Britain, it was agreed that her troops were to 
 
EVACUATION OF CHUSAN, 77 
 
 evacuate Chusan without further delay ; and al- 
 though the Chinese government gave no security 
 for the due performance of the treaty, the fast- 
 sailing corvette, Columbine, was despatched to 
 the north with the announcement to the autho- 
 rities there, and to order the immediate evacua- 
 tion by H. M. forces of that island. 
 
 On the 21st February, the fleet sailed from 
 the Bocca Tigris, under a salute from the 
 Chinese forts, the garrison of which were, no 
 doubt, laughing in their sleeves at having again 
 so etfectually gulled the bristle-headed barba- 
 
 rians. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 A description of the harbour and island of Hong-Kong — 
 Interview between Captain Elliot and Keshen — Perfidy, 
 and interruption of negotiations. 
 
 On the morning of the 26th February, we an- 
 chored in the magnificent bay of Hong-Kong, 
 and on the evening of that day the island was 
 taken possession of in Her Majesty’s name, 
 under a royal salute from all the ships of the 
 squadron. 
 
 Hong-Kong forms the most northerly of the 
 group of islands, at the mouth of the estuary that 
 leads to Canton. It is in lat. 22° 17' N., and long. 
 ] 14° 12' E. It is distant from Macao forty miles, 
 and from Canton about a hundred. 
 
 The island is about eight miles in length, and 
 
HONG-KONG. 
 
 79 
 
 two and a half in its greatest breadth. The 
 strait whieh separates it from the main land is, in 
 some places, barely a mile in breadth, while at 
 others it is five and six miles broad. The bay of 
 Hong-Kong cannot probably be surpassed by any 
 in the world, not only by reason of the infinite 
 number of ships which it can accommodate, but 
 also of its safe anchorage from typhoons, compared 
 with any other harbour in China, and the depth 
 of water close to the land, which along the 
 greater part of the bay is sufficient for a seventy- 
 four to float at a distance of a cable’s length from 
 shore. From this circumstance alone, the island 
 must prove a possession of enormous value as a 
 commercial acquisition. Magnificent granite 
 quarries are found all over the island, so that 
 warehouses on any scale can be built close to 
 the water’s edge, and wharfs with ease thrown 
 out, which will enable ships to approach for the 
 purpose of loading and unloading. There is at 
 all seasons an abundant supply of fresh water 
 procurable on the island. 
 
 In other respects this new colony possesses 
 but few advantages. Its northern side is formed 
 
80 
 
 HONG-KONG. 
 
 by a connected ridge of mountains, the highest 
 of which is about 2000 feet above the level of the 
 sea. Except in a few spots, these mountains are 
 barren and uncultivated ; formed by black pro- 
 jecting masses of granite, the intervals giving 
 shelter to herbage and brush-wood. There are 
 no trees of any size ; and unlike the generality 
 of mountainous districts, it possesses but a few 
 valleys, and these not of any extent. The 
 mountains, for the most part, fall perpendicularly 
 into the sea, thus leaving but little space for 
 building at their base. The interior and south 
 side is chiefly formed by level and undulating 
 land, and appears to be far better adapted for 
 private residences than on the north side. Here, 
 too, there are some very flne bays, the chief of 
 which are Ty-tan and Chuck-pie-wan. At the 
 former place a military post has been established. 
 The latter place, which is removed about five 
 miles from Ty-tan, forms a very convenient and 
 well-sheltered site for building dock-yards, &c. 
 Partridge, quail, and snipe, have been found on 
 the island; and in the jungle, pheasants and deer 
 have been seen. The population, on our first 
 
COWLOON. 
 
 81 
 
 taking possession, was barely 1000, but it 
 is now daily increasing, and already numbers 
 upwards of 10,000. Opposite to the north- 
 eastern extremity of Hong-Kong, and across the 
 bay, is the town of Cowloon, a small fortified 
 Chinese position, from which the fleet derive sup- 
 plies in abundance. A peninsula of considerable 
 size, with only a few Chinese hamlets upon it, 
 extends from the town of Cowloon in a south- 
 easterly direction. This mostly consists of rich 
 level ground, and would prove of inestimable 
 value to us, were it to become an appendage to 
 our present possessions. The appearance of 
 Hong-Kong is anything but prepossessing ; and 
 to those who have hitherto resided upon it, the 
 climate has proved far from salubrious. There 
 is a good deal of rank vegetation on the face of 
 the hill, the ground on which, after a heavy 
 fall of rain, becomes elastic and boggy. On the 
 Cowloon side of the bay the atmosphere is at all 
 times more pure, and the changes of temperature 
 less sudden ; indeed, altogether it appears a far 
 more likely and preferable spot to form a settle- 
 ment than on the Hong-Kong side. At present 
 
 G 
 
82 MEETING OF THE PLENIPOTENTIARIES. 
 
 it has been decided that this peninsula is to be 
 considered as neutral ground. 
 
 In order to facilitate the permanent adjust- 
 ment of affairs, it was agreed, on the part of our 
 Plenipotentiary and the Imperial Commissioner, 
 that a meeting should be held, at which both 
 parties should come attended by their respective 
 guards of honour. The 27th of January was the 
 day fixed for the interview, on which day Cap- 
 tain Elliot proceeded in the Nemesis steamer, 
 attended by sixty picked men of the Royal 
 Marines, and a number of officers of the army 
 and navy. On the bank of the river, near the 
 second bar, Keshen received and regaled our 
 Plenipotentiary and suite at a splendid banquet 
 prepared for the occasion, at which, in addition 
 to the usual luxuries of the Chinese on such oc- 
 casions, the tables groaned with a profusion of 
 Highland mutton, venison, grouse, and other 
 European delicacies, among which hock, cham- 
 pagne, and cherry brandy formed no small part. 
 This cunning statesman appears to have dis- 
 covered the right road to an Englishman’s heart ; 
 and as will be supposed, after a feast of this de- 
 
CELESTIAL BODY-GUARD. 
 
 83 
 
 scription, little business was transacted. Keshen 
 requested of Captain Elliot to put his party 
 through some of their movements, which the 
 latter performed with such dexterity and execu- 
 tion as to surprise every mandarin present, and 
 to call from them loud expressions of wonder 
 and astonishment. From the portly make of 
 some of the men, he suspected they were padded, 
 nor would he be convinced to the contrary, until 
 he had stripped and examined them. Captain 
 Elliot, in his turn, examined the celestial body- 
 guard. They were all dressed alike — viz., large 
 loose white pantaloons and a crimson jacket, 
 having a white star over the chest, and a corre- 
 sponding one on the back. On the former, 
 the words “ Indomitable Courage” was marked, 
 and on the latter, the name, battalion, and 
 general number of the owner. Many mutual 
 compliments passed, until the day being so far 
 spent, it was agreed, that Keshen should have 
 ten days more to consider matters, before placing 
 the final seal upon the treaty. At the appointed 
 time H. M. Plenipotentiary held another inter- 
 view with Keshen, after which an ofiicial circular 
 
84 
 
 PERFIDY OF THE CHINESE. 
 
 was issued, informing the British subjects that 
 negotiations were proceeding satisfactorily. 
 Trade, however, was not yet opened, although 
 the day agreed on in the treaty had gone by. 
 It was well known, too, that soldiers were col- 
 lecting at Canton and at the Bocca Tigris in 
 great numbers, and that the latter place was 
 daily hecoming stronger and more formidable. 
 
 About this time an edict was published, and 
 widely circulated in Canton and elsewhere, of- 
 fering large rewards for British ships and sub- 
 jects. This document at once exhibits the cha- 
 racteristic duplicity of the Chinese government, 
 and, if possible, indelibly fixes a more foul stain 
 upon their character. Resolved upon and made 
 known, whilst ostensibly amicable negotiations 
 were going on with those who were to be its vic- 
 tims, the document set forth by pardoning all 
 native traitors who repent of their crimes and 
 quit the service of the English. Rewards were 
 then offered for ships according to their size ; 
 100,000 dollars for a 74 j 50,000 dollars for a 
 steamer ; and 30,000 for smaller ships ; — 50,000 
 dollars were offered for the Commodore, Captain 
 
VALUE OF A SEPOY. 
 
 85 
 
 Elliot, or the interpreter, Mr. Morrison, dead or 
 alive, and smaller rewards for all other officers 
 according to their rank : a Sepoy, or Lascar, was 
 valued at fifty dollars. Pensions were awarded to 
 the families of those Chinese who lost their lives 
 in the execution of this duty. So much “ for the 
 scrupulous good faith of the very eminent per- 
 son with whom negotiations are still pending.” 
 Keshen is of opinion that foreigners are alto- 
 gether in the power of the Chinese, and that 
 after they shall have been excluded for some 
 time, and after their stocks of rhubarb and of tea, 
 of which he supposes them to keep stores suffi- 
 cient for ten or twenty years’ consumption, shall 
 have been exhausted, they will beg for permis- 
 sion to trade again, in the most abject language, 
 and then they will have to pay gold and silver 
 in exchange for tea and rhubarb, instead of, as 
 now, deluging the land with opium, and taking 
 away in return Sycee silver. The foreigners, 
 says Keshen, “ subsist day by day upon beef and 
 mutton, and every day, after meals, they take this 
 divine medicine (i.e., tea and rhubarb) in order to 
 ensure the proper action of their bowels.” Itseems, 
 
86 
 
 keshen’s philosophy. 
 
 in fact, to be Keshen’s opinion, that without 
 those two articles, foreigners must die of consti- 
 pation, and his plan is humanely to extirpate 
 them by denying them this medicine. The Vice- 
 roy of Pechelee, therefore, recommended that an 
 imperial proclamation he published, prohibiting 
 all intercourse with foreigners, thus “ defeating 
 their schemes, and, having done this, you (the 
 Emperor) have merely to bend down their back, 
 and pin them by the collar.” 
 
CHAPTER XL 
 
 Recommencement of hostilities, and bombardment of forts 
 at the Bocca Tigris. 
 
 It will at once become evident to all those who 
 have perused the preceding document, that mat- 
 ters could not long remain in their present state. 
 Henceforth, no one can say, that specific mea- 
 sures have not been sufficiently tried. Even the 
 sanguine Elliot appeared now convinced that the 
 Chinese entered into the above treaty merely to 
 gain time. As a final measure, however, he 
 despatched the Nemesis steamer to the Bocca 
 Tigris, and had yet some hopes that she would 
 bring back the treaty, ratified. The steamer 
 returned to Macao on the 1 9th February, and it 
 soon became known that every effort on her 
 
88 
 
 PROCLAMATION. 
 
 part to communicate with the Bogue forts proved 
 abortive, and that a boat, which was being sent 
 on shore for that purpose, had been fired at, and 
 nearly sunk by the guns from North Wang- 
 Tong. The following proclamation was, soon 
 after the return of the steamer, issued to the 
 British community at Macao: — “ Circumstances 
 have induced the Commander-in-chief to announce 
 to H. M.’s Plenipotentiary his intention to move 
 the forces towards the Bocca Tigris.” All naval 
 and military officers on leave were also directed 
 to join their respective ships without delay. 
 When this intelligence was brought to me, 
 Cumchung, a wealthy and respectable Chinese 
 merchant, happened to be present. I remarked 
 to him, that we were about to proceed to the 
 Bocca Tigris immediately, to knock down the 
 forts there. With a smile of scorn and derison, 
 and pointing upwards towards the heavens, the 
 old man replied, “ Same time you Englesman 
 take that fort, same time that sky make fall 
 down.” Such was his opinion, and such was 
 the general opinion of his countrymen, with 
 regard to the impregnable nature of the forts in 
 
NORTH WANG-TONG. 
 
 89 
 
 this position ; and, indeed, on our arrival there 
 a few days afterwards, the batteries presented a 
 most formidable appearance, and if held by an 
 European power, would have cost a severe struggle 
 and great loss of life to take them. 
 
 During the brief period that had elapsed since 
 our departure from Cheumpee, the forts and bat- 
 teries we were now about to attack had spread 
 rapidly ; so thick was the island studded with 
 workmen and soldiers, that at a distance it re- 
 sembled an ant-hill. The utmost breadth of 
 the river at this point is two miles ; the island 
 of North Wang-Tong being situated nearly in 
 the centre of the channel. The island is about 
 a mile in circumference ; on its eastern side was 
 a double fortification, the lower of which was an 
 enormous, strong battery, built of solid granite, 
 and mounting 42 guns, some of very large 
 calibre. On the western side was an exactly si- 
 milar battery, with the same number of guns. 
 To the inside of those were barracks for the 
 troops, and along the shore, a strong breast-work, 
 communicating with these batteries, had been 
 lately thrown up, mounting an innumerable 
 
90 
 
 FORTS OF ANUNGHOI. 
 
 number of small guns, wall pieces, ginjalls, &c. 
 On a rising ground is the hill fort, or citadel, 
 the guns from which have a commanding range 
 on every side ; and in the centre of the island was 
 an extensive encampment. 
 
 On the eastern side of the river, and opposite 
 the islands of North and South Wang-Tong, are 
 the great and little forts of Anunghoi. They are 
 of enormous strength, constructed solely of large 
 blocks of granite. On the summit of these, a 
 peculiarly firm cement, made from chunam and 
 gravel, was placed several feet thick, so as to 
 prevent the stone from splintering. On this 
 side of the river the same activity prevailed as 
 on the island in the centre ; sand-hag batteries, 
 bristling with guns, stretched along the shore on 
 all sides. Every commanding spot was fortified, 
 and the garrison all appeared on the alert. From 
 the south Anunghoi fort, a chain, several inches in 
 thickness, ran across the river to South Wang- 
 Tong island, on the surface of which, at short 
 intervals, rafts were attached ; a second chain 
 was also run across from the island of North 
 Wang-Tong to the corresponding forts on the 
 
SOUTH WANG-TONG. 
 
 91 
 
 Aaunghoi side, but the tides had been so strong 
 at our present visit, that it had been carried 
 away. This was the only channel through which 
 ships passed up to Canton, which was at once 
 effected by slackening the chain, and permitting 
 it to sink to a certain extent. 
 
 On the western side of the river was also a 
 fort, and, as on the Anunghoi side, the command- 
 ing positions on the heights had also been forti- 
 fied, the brow of the hill being one continued 
 line of encampment. Through this channel no 
 ships were permitted to pass. In fact, it was 
 never supposed that there was water sufficient 
 for the purpose. Nor was it until after repeated 
 surveys, untiring exertions, and great risks, on 
 the part of Captain Kellett, R.N., that it was 
 discovered that in this passage alone a two- 
 decker could pass up. It is singular, that with 
 all the care the Chinese seem to have bestowed 
 in protecting and fortifying the several positions 
 in this narrow channel, they should have ne- 
 glected every means of defence on the island of 
 South Wang-Tong, removed from the other 
 island of the same name a few yards. On this 
 
92 
 
 COOL REQUEST. 
 
 island it was soon discovered that a landing 
 could be effected without being exposed to the 
 fire from the surrounding batteries. This was a 
 fatal mistake on the part of the Chinese, for it 
 afforded us a stronghold which commanded their 
 forts on every side. 
 
 The morning of the 25th of February saw the 
 whole of the force collected off the Bogue forts. 
 The enemy, evidently, were not long in disco- 
 vering the object of our visit, for the Wellesley 
 had hardly cast anchor, when a boat from the 
 shore with a flag of truce approached her. This 
 boat conveyed a requisition from the General 
 commanding on shore, requesting “ that more 
 three days would be allowed,” after which they 
 should be prepared to receive us ; and so averse 
 was Captain Elliot to resume hostilities, that he 
 was about to grant the cool request, when the 
 commodore insisted, that now affairs were placed 
 in his hands they must proceed. Hostilities had 
 already commenced on the 24th of February, 
 when a masked battery at the back of Anunghoi 
 island was destroyed, and eighty guns of various 
 calibre rendered unserviceable. 
 
ROCKET PRACTICE. 
 
 93 
 
 On the evening of the 25th, three howitzers 
 were landed on the island of South Wang-Tong, 
 by the Nemesis, under the superintendence of 
 Sir Le Fleming Senhouse ; a party of Royal and 
 Madras Artillery, commanded by Major Knowles, 
 and Lieutenant Cadell, and 150 men of the 37th 
 regiment, M. N. L, under Captain Wardroper, 
 were also landed on the same occasion. A tire 
 was opened by the enemy upon this party during 
 the landing, which was kept up at intervals 
 the whole night, without, however, doing any 
 injury. 
 
 By daylight on the following morning, the 
 2Gth, a battery, sufficient to protect the artillery- 
 men while working their guns, having been 
 raised, operations commenced, by throwing a 
 few rockets into a large pile of building, the 
 hoppoes, or custom-house, situated at the en- 
 trance of the North Wang-Tong fort ; and such 
 was the precision v/ith which these were directed, 
 that the place was soon in a blaze of tire, which 
 rapidly communicated with the encampment, and 
 presented an animating and inciting appearance. 
 From this battery, shells and shot were also 
 
94 INEFFICIENCY OF CHINESE ARTILLERY. 
 
 fired with splendid effect ; and although the con- 
 centrated fire of the whole of the Chinese forts 
 was directed against it, not one accident hap- 
 pened. 
 
 It was originally intended that a combined and 
 simultaneous attack should be made on all the 
 Bogue forts ; but owing to the calmness of the 
 weather, and a strong ebb tide, this was found 
 impracticable. It was, therefore, necessary to 
 postpone operations, and wait for the flood-tide 
 to serve. About 11 o’clock, a.m., the Blenheim, 
 74 guns, was under weigh. Her intrepid com- 
 mander, ever foremost in difficulties and dangers, 
 having command of the wing of the squadron 
 appointed to bombard the great and formidable 
 Anunghoi forts, becoming impatient, could not 
 wait for the change of the tide. She was accom- 
 panied by three rocket boats, and the Queen 
 steamer. The Melville, 74 guns, soon afterwards 
 got under weigh, and followed her. The flag- 
 ship, Wellesley, and other ships about to attack 
 Wang-Tong, were also on the move. They had 
 been at anchor about a mile and a half from the 
 forts, and in consequence of the slack tide and 
 
BOMBARDMENT OF THE BOGUE FORTS. 95 
 
 dead calm, the ships dropped down very slowly. 
 An occasional shot was still fired from the forts, 
 and from our battery on South Wang-Tong ; 
 beyond this, not a sound broke the ominous 
 stillness that reigned around. The troops had 
 embarked in the steamers, and were following 
 in the wake of the shipping towards Wang- 
 Tong. 
 
 The Blenheim was hardly yet within range 
 when the forts of Anunghoi opened their fire 
 upon her. With breathless interest all watched 
 her coolly gliding to her work of destruction 
 without returning a shot to the brisk fire that 
 was now directed against her. The Queen 
 and the rocket-boats had already commenced 
 the action, and the Blenheim, when about 500 
 yards from the fort, brought to, clewed all up, 
 and then opened her broadside. The Melville, 
 
 Captain the Hon. Dundas, followed about ten 
 
 minutes later, and took up an admirable position, 
 in the same cool, gallant style, about 400 yards 
 from the fort, a little way a-head of the Blen- 
 heim, and close to the chain-raft. Like the 
 latter ship she did not fire a shot till she had 
 
96 BOMBARDMENT OF THE BOGUE FORTS. 
 
 brought to, when she gave her starboard broad- 
 sides in quick succession. Operations had hardly 
 yet begun on the opposite side of the channel, 
 consequently the interest excited by the opposing 
 parties at Anunghoi was intense beyond expres- 
 sion. The Queen steamer, though at good shell 
 distance from shore, was too far removed to 
 suffer much injury from the Chinese guns. The 
 entire force of these enormous batteries, mount- 
 ing upwards of 200 guns, was, therefore, con- 
 centrated against the two line-of-battle ships. At 
 times, columns of smoke and dust concealed 
 everything from our view ; and now that the 
 action was fairly begun at Wang-Tong, the con- 
 tinual roar was terrific, and was echoed hack 
 from the surrounding hills. The blaze of fire 
 through the smoke resembled bright flashes of 
 sheet lightning, obscured by dark clouds. 
 
 From the Anunghoi forts, where the contest 
 had now lasted nearly two hours, the fire began 
 to flag — the repeated broadsides having evidently 
 taken effect. On the smoke clearing away, the 
 enemy were seen leaving the forts in hundreds, 
 and running off in every direction ; an occasional 
 
DARING RECOVERY OF A BOAT. 
 
 97 
 
 shell from the Queen would burst over their 
 heads, and the canister and grape now fired from 
 the seventy-fours mowed them down by scores. 
 The villages and encampments around had long 
 since been set fire to by the rockets. During 
 the heat of the engagement, a boat drifted from 
 the Melville, close under the guns of the fort. 
 It w^as recovered in fearless style, and without 
 loss. 
 
 Against the batteries of North Wang-Tong, 
 the Wellesley, Druid, and Modeste, Calliope, 
 Samarang, Herald, and Alligator, had long since 
 opened their fire. The starboard guns from the 
 three former were chiefly directed against the 
 western defences, while the larboard ones kept 
 up a perpetual fire upon the forts and batteries 
 on the opposite side of the channel. The fire 
 from the other four ships was brought to bear 
 upon the northern and eastern portions of the 
 island. Thus an enfilading fire, most harassing 
 to the garrison, was kept up, and continued 
 without a moment’s intermission, for upwards of 
 an hour. Shortly after the engagement had be- 
 gun on this side, four boats filled with men were 
 
 H 
 
98 FLIGHT OF THE CHINESE GENERAL. 
 
 observed to leave the island, and to the surprise 
 of all, the Chinese opened a fire upon them. It 
 was afterwards ascertained that these boats con- 
 tained the general commanding, and all the chief 
 mandarins, who fled panic-struck, taking with 
 them the only boats on the island, having pre- 
 viously taken the base and cowardly precaution 
 of barring the gates to prevent the garrison from 
 molesting them in their flight. Thus deprived 
 of their leaders, the Are soon slackened ; and on 
 the troops landing, the little opposition offered 
 was chiefly of a passive nature. Here and there, 
 however, a body of determined fellows driven at 
 bay, resisted to the last, preferring to be shot 
 down or bayoneted to yielding themselves pri- 
 soners. The loss on this island, on the part of 
 the Chinese, was 250 killed and 150 wounded. 
 Here also many were drowned in attempting to 
 escape. About 1400 prisoners were taken, all of 
 whom, with the exception of a working party to 
 clear the fort and bury the dead, were landed on 
 the western side of the river, and set at liberty. 
 Over the Anunghoi forts the union-jack was 
 proudly waving. The veteran. Sir Fleming, 
 
STORMING THE FORT. 
 
 99 
 
 at the head of his blue jackets and marines, 300 
 in number, had landed ; a chance shot had torn 
 the door of the fort off its hinges — the party, 
 therefore, at once entered. The ramparts were 
 all deserted, but in the centre of the fort an 
 armed party, in strength equal to their own, 
 were drawn up in good order. At the head of 
 this party was a venerable-looking old man, with 
 a blue button and peacock’s feather in his cap, 
 evidently a mandarin of distinction. At first, 
 it was expected they were going to surrender. 
 A shower of arrows and some matchlock bullets 
 soon convinced our men to the contrary. The 
 old chief himself, advancing and brandishing his 
 double-handed sword, seemed to court death. A 
 musket bullet through the chest closed his career, 
 immediately on which the party surrendered. 
 It was now discovered that the chief above al- 
 luded to was Admiral Kwan, he who had two 
 years before engaged H. M. ship Volage, at Cow- 
 loon Bay, and on a later occasion, with his fleet, 
 attacked the Volage, Hyacinth, and Larne, off 
 Lantao. He was buried with military honours. 
 Sir Fleming firing from the Blenheim minute 
 
100 
 
 CLOSING SPECTACLE. 
 
 guns, corresponding in number to the old man’s 
 probable age. Another mandarin of high rank 
 was also killed in this fort. 
 
 About four P.M., the Nemesis steamer, with a 
 party of marines, proceeded to occupy the fort 
 on the western shore under the Tanan Hills. 
 This fort had been previously silenced by the 
 admirable firing of the Wellesley and Druid, but 
 the enemy still retained a position in an en- 
 trenched camp on the face of the hill, from 
 which they occasionally fired upon the shipping. 
 The force landed, and soon dispersed the Chinese, 
 and set fire to their encampment. It burned in 
 a circle of nearly two miles ; the fire continued 
 long after dark, casting a bright light over the 
 waters of the Bogue, forming, as it were, a vast 
 illumination in commemoration of our triumph, 
 and a grand closing spectacle to this eventful 
 day’s work. The blaze must have been seen for 
 miles around, and told the sad tale to the Chinese 
 of the fall of the Bocca Tigris, the Gibraltar of 
 the East. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Advance upon Canton — Arrival of Sir Hugh Gough, and 
 the Cluisan force — Release of the Ningpo prisoners — 
 Armistice and arrangements for trade agreed on. 
 
 Notwithstanding the enormous expenditure of 
 powder and shot by the two contending parties 
 during the engagement just detailed, still, sur- 
 prising to say, on the side of the British, not one 
 man was killed, and a few only were slightly 
 wounded. The casualties on the part of the 
 enemy must have exceeded 600. About 500 
 pieces of cannon were taken. Among these were 
 four large brass 72 pounders, of Spanish manu- 
 facture, which were put on board the Blenheim. 
 There were also several English and Portuguese 
 guns, all of which were spiked, and rendered un- 
 
102 
 
 CHINESE INGENUITY. 
 
 serviceable. As a proof of the ingenuity of the 
 Chinese, it may here be mentioned, that some 
 guns which had been spiked and deprived of 
 their trunnions at Cheumpee, were here recog- 
 nised, mounted on carriages, having had a vent- 
 hole beared on the opposite side, and a strong 
 Iron hoop, with trunnions attached, placed on 
 the centre of the piece. The spars, rigging, and 
 hulls of our shipping had been considerably cut 
 up, more especially that of the two line-of-battle 
 ships engaged at Anunghoi. 
 
 The day after the destruction of the Bogue 
 forts, a garrison of 200 men of the 37th regiment 
 having been left on North Wang-Tong, the 
 plenipotentiary and commodore proceeded to- 
 wards Canton, with the steamers and ships of 
 light draught. The fort on Tiger Island, about 
 two miles above the Bogue, was found deserted. 
 At the first bar, however, which is situated about 
 half way between Whampoo and the Bocca 
 Tigris, W'as a Chinese force of upwards of 2,000 
 elite, strongly entrenched on the left bank of the 
 river, and defended by upwards of 100 pieces of 
 artillery ; and the late British ship Cambridge, of 
 
WATER BRAVES. 
 
 103 
 
 i ( 
 
 
 1400 tons burden, recently purchased by the 
 Chinese, was moored close to a raft which 
 stretched across the river to the west of the en- 
 campment. The advance squadron, consisting 
 of the Calliope, Herald, Alligator, Sulphur, 
 Modeste, and steamers Nemesis and Madagascar, 
 opened their fire upon the enemy at this position 
 on the afternoon of the 27th. Here the Chinese 
 fought manfully ; nor was it untd after a hard 
 struggle of a couple of hours’ duration that they 
 yielded. This force had but recently arrived 
 from the district of Hoonan, and consisted of 
 tried old soldiers and “ water braves,” (marines,) 
 who had been specially selected for the purpose 
 of expelling the English, having repeatedly, on 
 former occasions, signalized themselves by acts 
 of bravery. Upwards of 200 dead bodies were 
 here found, among whom was the chief officer in 
 command, and -several others of inferior ranks. 
 The wounded had been carried away by their 
 comrades. On our side, there was one man killed, 
 and several severely wounded. The shipping, 
 also, sustained considerable damage, and the 
 Nemesis received a shot in her steam condenser. 
 
104 
 
 ARRIVAL OF SIR HUGH GOUGH. 
 
 The ship Cambridge was blown up, the encamp- 
 ment and ammunition destroyed, and the guns 
 rendered unserviceable. 
 
 On the 2nd of March, Sir Hugh Gough arrived 
 in H. M. brig Cruizer, and assumed the command 
 of the land forces. 
 
 A masked battery on the island of Whampoo 
 had, on the morning of this day, fired upon a 
 division of boats engaged in towing the Sulphur, 
 surveying ship. The tow-line was immediately 
 cut, the boats proceeded on shore, their crews 
 advanced, and gallantly carried the position, 
 killing twenty men, and destroying twenty- 
 three guns. On the following day the kwan- 
 chowfoo, or lord mayor of Canton, had an inter- 
 view with Captain Elliot, the result of which was 
 a truce. 
 
 During this week the Chusan portion of the 
 force arrived, and the island which had become 
 the grave of so many British troops was again in 
 undisputed possession of the Chinese. The Co- 
 lumbine had gone up in fourteen days, arriving 
 a few hours after the overland dispatch. Such 
 was the belief of Captain Elliot in the good faith 
 
VACILLATION OF CAPT. ELLIOT. 
 
 105 
 
 of the Chinese respecting the treaty of Cheumpee, 
 that the regiment of Bengal Volunteers had been 
 ordered to proceed direct to Calcutta, thus de- 
 priving the force of the services of upwards of 
 500 etFective soldiers. One of the articles stipu- 
 lated in the treaty was the return of prisoners ; 
 and, mueh to the gratification of all, they had 
 been released, and had come down with the fleet. 
 The suspicious Chinese would not, however, give 
 them up until the whole force had left Chusan, 
 and were under weigh. 
 
 On the 6th of March, the truce expired, and 
 from this date Captain Elliot’s acts became daily 
 more clouded and veiled in obscurity. In private 
 conversation he changed his opinion every few 
 minutes ; and as for his public acts, his procla- 
 mations will at once shew the vacillating nature 
 of his temperament. His sole object seems to 
 have been to re-establish trade ; whether on terms 
 honourable or otherwise to Great Britain, it did 
 not appear to matter much to him. On the 
 same day that the truce expired, he intimated to 
 H. M.’s subjects that the works in immediate 
 advance of Howqua’s Fort were occupied, and 
 
106 
 
 INDECISION OF CAPT. ELLIOT. 
 
 he issued a proclamation to the inhabitants of 
 Canton, stating, to allay their fears, that “ their 
 city was spared because the gracious Sovereign 
 of Great Britain had commanded the high Eng- 
 lish officers to remember, that the good and 
 peaceable people must be tenderly considered.” 
 What was the inference drawn by the Chinese on 
 perusing this document ? Simply, that we were 
 afraid to take possession of the city ; and what 
 certainly gave this construction of our acts some 
 appearance of truth, was, the arrival of Aug-fang, 
 a generalissimo, in the neighbourhood of Canton, 
 with 30,000 men. 
 
 Subsequent to the above proclamation. Captain 
 Elliot issued several circulars, in one of which he 
 states that the forts in the Macao passage, near 
 Canton, which are strengthened by flanking 
 field-works, were carried on the 13th. On the 
 same day the Nemesis, with a division of boats, 
 proceeded from Macao towards Canton by the 
 inner passage. In her progress she destroyed 
 seven small works or batteries, nine sail of men- 
 of-war junks, and 105 pieces of cannon. This 
 extraordinary little vessel, through the coolness 
 
CANTON THREATENED. 
 
 107 
 
 of her intrepid commodore, “ was moved onwards 
 for some succeeding miles in her own depth of 
 water, and with the breadth of the river so near 
 her own length, that it became necessary, on 
 several occasions, to force her bow into the bank 
 and bushes on one side to clear the heel of the 
 dry ground on the opposite.” The whole of the 
 river, and its branches, as high up as Howqua’s 
 Fort, was now in our possession. A flag of truce 
 proceeding to Canton on the 16th, with a chop 
 for the authorities there, was fired at. H. M.’s 
 forces, therefore, moved up, and on the 18th all 
 the works in immediate advance and before the 
 city, including the Dutch Folly, were taken, and 
 the w'hole of the enemy’s flotilla sunk or de- 
 stroyed. Canton was now under the guns of the 
 squadron ; all approaches to the city were com- 
 pletely commanded, and Captain Elliot held pos- 
 session of the British factory. Here he was soon 
 waited upon by a deputation of the Hong mer- 
 chants, who besought him to suspend hostilities 
 for the present ; they guaranteed that trade 
 should be immediately opened, and benefits in- 
 
108 
 
 ANOTHER TRUCE, 
 
 numerable be showered down upon tbe English. 
 The plenipotentiary’s compassion was moved, 
 and hostilities ceased. A few days hereafter, he 
 issued a circular, intimating that “ a suspension 
 of hostilities was agreed upon between the impe- 
 rial commissioner Yang and himself, and that 
 the trade of the port of Canton was opened to 
 British and other foreign merchants, who may 
 see fit to proceed thither for the purpose of 
 lawful commerce.” 
 
 It is worthy of remark that, during the suc- 
 cessive engagements above enumerated, in which 
 the Chinese lost about 2000 men, reckoning 
 from the 7th of January, there was killed on 
 the side of the English, by the Chinese shot, only 
 one man. 
 
 With the exception of a few of the smaller 
 ships of war, and a party of marines left to pro- 
 tect the factory, and a wing of the 37th regiment 
 to garrison the island of North Wang-Tong, (the 
 other forts in this position having been de- 
 stroyed,) the remainder of the force returned to 
 Hong-Kong. 
 
CHINESE NOTIONS OF SURGERY. 
 
 109 
 
 In Wang-Tong an hospital for the wounded 
 Chinese had been established ; here military 
 surgery, in all its varieties, was to be seen, and 
 capital operations were of daily occurrence. 
 These the Chinese at all times submitted to with 
 stoical indifference. At first they supposed the 
 operations were performed for the purpose of 
 torture, and on the wounded limb being re- 
 moved, the sound one was held forth to be 
 operated on also ; nor could they, to the last, 
 understand or appreciate the purpose of our daily 
 visits to dress the wounds. On one occasion, 
 after removing an arm, several of the instru- 
 ments used during the operation were missed ; 
 these, after minute search, and some trouble, 
 were found, some in the possession of the man 
 operated on, and others on a prisoner attending 
 upon the sick. 
 
 The force now present consisted of the skele- 
 tons of three Queen’s corps, and the 37th regi- 
 ment, M. N. I. ; detachment of Madras Artillery ; 
 and Sappers and Miners, and Bengal Volunteers — 
 amounting, in all, to about 2300 men ; — a body 
 
110 LIST OF FORCES PRESENT. 
 
 of marines, also about 500 strong. The naval 
 force consisted of three line-of-hattle ships ; five 
 ships carrying 28 guns ; and ten, 18 guns, and 
 downwards ; one bomh-ship, and five armed 
 
 steamers. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Commodore proceeds to Calcutta — Keshen recalled — Three 
 new commissioners arrive at Canton — They act with 
 duplicity. 
 
 The movements of the naval and military com- 
 manders had been hitherto so curtailed and 
 thwarted by Captain Elliot, the British flag so re- 
 peatedly slighted and insulted, and operations 
 checked just at the time when they were about to 
 become creditable to Great Britain, and to produce 
 a permanent and salutary effect on the Chinese 
 government, that the commodore resolved at 
 once to proceed to Calcutta for the purpose of 
 representing to the governor- general the peculiar 
 position in which affairs were placed, and at the 
 same time to solicit reinforcements previous to a 
 renewal of hostilities. For this purpose he de- 
 
112 DEPARTURE OF THE COMMODORE. 
 
 parted in the Queen steamer on the 31st of 
 March. The steamers Enterprise and Mada- 
 gascar, standing in need of repair, returned also 
 to Calcutta about this time. On the departure 
 of the commodore, the direction of the naval 
 portion of the expedition devolved on Sir H. Le 
 Fleming Senhouse. 
 
 The Emperor’s entire disapproval of the treaty 
 entered into by Keshen at Cheumpee had been 
 for some time known, and that officer was threat- 
 ened with disgrace. As a proof that this treaty 
 never was granted with sincerity, the imperial 
 commissioner, in his report to the Emperor on 
 the subject, makes use of the following words : — 
 “As a temporary expediency, I pretended to 
 grant what was requested.” 
 
 On the 3rd of April, the reply to Keshen’s re- 
 port concerning the loss of the Bogue forts was 
 received. That minister was now ordered to be 
 degraded, to be deprived of rank and command, 
 and directed to be sent in chains to the capital, 
 there to be delivered over to the board of punish- 
 ment. Among the several articles of accusation 
 against him, the most important are — his havdng 
 
CHARGES AGAINST KESHEN. 
 
 113 
 
 held interviews and exchanged documents with 
 Captain Elliot on equal terms — his having enter- 
 tained Captain Elliot at the second bar — and his 
 having fixed his seal to a document ceding the 
 island of Hong-Kong. The emperor evinced the 
 greatest indignation at the rebellious conduct of 
 the barbarians, and swore “ that both powers shall 
 not stand — that one or other must perish.” Yih- 
 shan, the emperor’s nephew, was invested with the 
 office of “ general pacificator of the rebellions,” 
 and Lungaran and Yangfang with that of assist- 
 ant ministers. Extensive levies of troops were 
 made from all the surrounding districts, and 
 directed to proceed to Canton, “ so that, with 
 great celerity, the work of attack and extermina- 
 tion may be carried out.” Yangfang reached 
 Canton on the same day the British troops took 
 possession of the factories there. He had left 
 his army encamped some miles from the city, 
 but instead of proceeding at once to the work of 
 extermination, he proclaimed, on the walls of the 
 city, the re-opening of trade, with protection for 
 the lives and property of all foreigners, as has 
 already been shewn in the extract of Captain 
 
 I 
 
114 
 
 RESUMPTION OF TRADE. 
 
 Elliot’s circular, at the conclusion of the last 
 chapter. 
 
 How surprising it is that H. M. Plenipoten- 
 tiary, who has, during a residence of six years, 
 been brought so repeatedly into communication 
 with the Chinese, both officially and otherwise, 
 should yet remain in ignorance of their true cha- 
 racter, and continue to place confidence in their 
 faithless promises. True, in this instance, 
 Yihshan, on his arrival at Canton, appeared to 
 give a tacit consent to his joint-minister’s terms 
 of truce — and why ? Because the Canton trea- 
 sury had been emptied in preparing and perfect- 
 ing the defenees on the course of the river, and 
 paying the workmen and garrison. Moreover, 
 the large army assembling in the neighbourhood 
 of the city required that no time should be lost 
 in replenishing it. They naturally concluded 
 that the foreign merchants, so long shut out 
 from trade, would avail themselves of the first 
 opportunity of its being opened, and eagerly 
 come forward. Nor were they disappointed in 
 their expectations. Trade was resumed, and con- 
 tinued to be actively carried on, although prices 
 
POLICY OF THE CHINESE. 
 
 115 
 
 had been considerably raised, and in very few 
 instances did the Chinese dealers receive manu- 
 factures or other imports in barter for teas, &c., 
 insisting, for the most part, in being paid in 
 hard cash. Thus their sanguine hopes were 
 being realized, and their treasury being filled. 
 
 The courtesy and attention of the newly-ar- 
 rived ministers to our plenipotentiary became 
 quite marked ; messages daily passed between 
 them; and from time to time Captain Elliot issued 
 circulars, stating that satisfactory declarations 
 continued to be received from the commissioners 
 “ declaratory of their good and faithful inten- 
 tions.” A proclamation was also issued by him 
 “ to the quiet and industrious people of Canton,” 
 directing them not to be alarmed at the constant 
 rumours of warlike preparations against their 
 town and province upon the side of the British 
 forces ; and he clearly declares to all the people 
 that these reports are “ false and mischievous 
 then follows a long eulogium on Yang and the 
 other high functionaries of the province. How 
 little did he suspect that, during the time pro- 
 fessions of friendship were thus lavishly ex- 
 
 I 2 
 
116 
 
 MURDER OF CAPTAIN STEAD. 
 
 pended; they were all false and treacherous, and 
 that preparations on an extensive scale were 
 concerting at once to attack the British forces at 
 all points, and murder or make prisoners the 
 foreign merchants in Canton. To prove to the 
 Chinese the confidence H. M. Plenipotentiary 
 felt in their pacific intentions, the guard of 
 marines, hitherto stationed at the British Hong, 
 had been withdrawn, and the ships of war re- 
 moved from opposite the city. 
 
 About this time, two officers of the Blenheim, 
 in company with another Englishman, were pro- 
 ceeding from Macao to their ships, anchored in 
 these roads. They never reached the vessel ; and 
 the body of one of them, washed up on shore 
 some days afterwards, bore marks of violence, 
 which tells but too truly the fate of his com- 
 panions. Captain Stead, the master of a trans- 
 port ship, which had arrived at Chusan a few 
 days after the island was evacuated by our troops, 
 and who had gone on shore to make some in- 
 quiry on the subject, was immediately attacked, 
 and carried off wounded to China, where, it was 
 afterwards discovered, he was tortured to death. 
 
OBSTINACY OF THE EMPEROR. 
 
 117 
 
 These, and many other like incidents, will at 
 once point out to the reader the feeling the 
 Chinese entertain against the English. 
 
 Meantime trade continued, or rather was 
 tolerated, at Canton. The dealers, becoming dis- 
 trustful in consequence of the large bodies of 
 troops daily pouring into the city, and other 
 hostile preparations in progress, became more 
 chary, and dreaded introducing goods to any 
 amount ; moreover, the system of squeezing was 
 at this time carried on to such an extent, that 
 the merchant derived little or no profit upon his 
 property ; he had not, therefore, much encou- 
 ragement in disposing of it. 
 
 Edicts against the English continued to ar- 
 rive from Pekin ; “ Exterminate the rebels at all 
 points,” was the Emperor’s reiterated orders. At 
 this period it was said that he would listen to 
 no proposals for an amicable arrangement, and he 
 threatened with death those who talked of mak- 
 ing peace with the English. Other documents, 
 purporting also to be imperial edicts, were 
 about this time freely circulated at Canton and 
 Macao, recommending peace and quietness, &c. 
 
118 
 
 WARLIKE PREPARATIONS. 
 
 These were afterwards discovered to be pseudo 
 documents, apparently got up by the Canton au- 
 thorities, in order to blind the plenipotentiary and 
 put him off his guard. The continued warlike 
 preparations of the Chinese, the enormous num- 
 ber of soldiers collected in and about the city, 
 calculated at upwards of 50,000 men, and the 
 departure of the Hong and other wealthy mer- 
 chants, with their families and valuables, induced 
 Captain Elliot, as a measure of precaution, to 
 move the ships of war nearer to Canton, and in 
 front of the factories. : 
 
 On the 20th of May, Yihshan and his col- 
 leagues issued a proclamation, which was care- 
 fully put into the hands of the foreign merchants, 
 and pasted upon the factories and in the streets, 
 telling the “ people of Canton, and all foreign 
 merchants who are respectfully obedient, not to 
 tremble with alarm and be frightened out of 
 their wits at the military hosts that are gathering 
 around, there being no probability of hostilities.” 
 On the succeeding day. Captain Elliot issued, at 
 Canton, the following circular ; — 
 
 “ In the present situation of circumstances. 
 
CRITICAL STATE OF AFFAIRS. 
 
 119 
 
 her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary feels it 
 his duty to recommend that the British, and 
 other foreigners now remaining in the factories, 
 should retire from Canton before sunset.” 
 
 Such was the critical appearance affairs at 
 Canton now suddenly presented. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Hostilities are resumed — Third advance up the river — Battle 
 of the heights above Canton. 
 
 When, on the 18th of March, it was stipulated 
 that Canton should be spared without ransom 
 on condition that no military preparations were 
 to be made by the Chinese, and that the trade of 
 the port was to continue as usual, it was well 
 known that the objects of the expedition would 
 now be directed northward. The Chinese flat- 
 tered themselves that, on the departure of the 
 main body of the British force, there would then 
 be little difficulty in seizing and destroying that 
 portion which still remained in these waters. 
 While promising faithfully to abstain from hos- 
 tilities, the authorities were employed in erecting 
 
yihshan’s treachery. 
 
 121 
 
 new batteries, and re-arming old ones; in assem- 
 bling a large army, and in collecting immense 
 flotillas of war-junks and fire-rafts. As the ad- 
 vantages were to be great, no expense was 
 spared ; complete success in their deceitful pur- 
 poses was to be the sure and triumphant result. 
 The better to carry out their plans, as the reader 
 has already seen, both the foreign community at 
 Canton, and the native inhabitants, were assured, 
 by repeated proclamations from the imperial com- 
 missioner, that their property and persons were 
 in perfect safety, while at the very time these 
 proclamations were published, soldiers and arms 
 were being privately brought into the warehouses 
 of the Hong merchants, not far from the facto- 
 ries where foreigners were weighing teas. These 
 solemn assurances were repeated until the very 
 day on which their combined attacks were to be 
 made. These, however, appeared to have been 
 accelerated by the discovery that their base de- 
 signs had been detected. 
 
 By sunset on the day on which Captain Elliot 
 issued his last circular, no British merchants re- 
 mained in the factories. The bustle of the day 
 
122 ATTEMPT TO BURN THE ENGLISH SHIPS. 
 
 closing as evening approached, no signs of im- 
 mediate hostilities were visible. The second 
 watch of the night had not, however, passed, ere 
 Yihshan’s operations commenced. With the 
 ebb-tide, boats filled with combustibles of every 
 description, chained together, two and two, and 
 well manned with “ water braves,” bore down 
 in disguise upon the English shipping. When 
 within a few yards of the advanced ship, the 
 Modeste, from the forecastle of which the sentry 
 hailed, these boats were simultaneously set on 
 fire, and became almost instantly wrapped in 
 flames ; their crews were so near the shipping 
 when they took to their small boats, that they 
 were shot down in numbers by our musketry. 
 The fire-rafts were promptly, but with consi- 
 derable risk, warded off, and the ships sustained 
 no material damage thereby. 
 
 In concert with the movements of the fire- 
 vessels, guns from masked batteries, which were, 
 till now, never known to exist, opened their fire 
 upon the shipping ; gun-boats, or floating bat- 
 teries, approaching close to the ships, kept up a 
 perpetual fire during the whole of the night. At 
 
THE NEMESIS. 
 
 123 
 
 Howqua’s fort (three miles), at Whampoa (twelve 
 miles), and at North Wang-Tong, thirty miles be- 
 low the city, similar efforts were made to destroy 
 the shipping at those stations, but in every in- 
 stance without effect. At daylight the following 
 morning, the ships moved into positions which 
 commanded the batteries that had proved so 
 troublesome during the night ; and the Nemesis, 
 hastily getting up her steam, dashed into the midst 
 of the flotilla of boats, numbering more than 200, 
 one-half of which, in the course of three hours, 
 she destroyed, the remainder having been either 
 abandoned, run on shore, or driven into some 
 of the shallow creeks. The Goddess of Revenge, 
 though in the midst of repeated explosions while 
 performing this gallant feat, from being entirely 
 constructed of iron, returned unscathed, decked 
 with Chinese flags and banners, and her crew 
 habited in mandarins’ coats and caps. Her 
 rockets and the Chinese fire-rafts (which latter 
 she, with the assistance of her grappling-irons, 
 towed to the mouths of some of the numerous 
 creeks and canals in this direction, from whence 
 
124 ILL-TREATMENT OF THE AMERICANS. 
 
 they floated up with the tide) had already set fire 
 to the suburbs in many places. 
 
 In the course of the morning, a body of sol- 
 diers, joined by the mob, entered the factories, 
 the whole of which were ransacked, and every- 
 thing in them destroyed or carried away. Some 
 American merchants who still remained in the 
 factory were wounded, and sent into the city in 
 chains, where they were insulted and imprisoned, 
 until it was satisfactorily ascertained that they 
 were not British subjects. 
 
 While this part of the scene was being enacted 
 opposite the factories, the British force, which 
 on the 18th of May got under weigh at Hong- 
 Kong, was hourly approaching the city. H. M. 
 Plenipotentiary had intimated to the naval and 
 military commanders, some days previously, that 
 the contemplated expedition to Amoy must of 
 necessity, for the present, be postponed, as he 
 suspected that the local government were medi- 
 tating evil, and a speedy rupture was to all ap- 
 pearance inevitable. Operations were, therefore, 
 planned accordingly ; and it was decided that an 
 
ADVANCE UPON CANTON. 
 
 125 
 
 advance upon Canton should be forthwith made, 
 and that, if possible, this should be effected be- 
 fore the enemy had matured their plans. In 
 this, however, the Chinese had anticipated us ; 
 nor was it until the morning of the 24th that 
 our right column, consisting of the 26th Came- 
 ronians, and a portion of the Madras Artillery 
 and Sappers, took possession of the factories, 
 for the purpose of drawing the attention of the 
 enemy to that quarter, and at the same time to 
 co-operate with the naval force appointed to 
 attack the river defences. The Chinese, who 
 had kept up a fire upon the ships at intervals 
 since the morning of the 22nd, now again, on 
 the appearance of our troops, recommenced, with 
 greater avidity, to fire from the tops of houses and 
 from numerous new works lately thrown up op- 
 posite to the factories and in front of the city. 
 These in the course of the day had been si- 
 lenced ; in one of the batteries, four guns, 1 Cl- 
 inch bore, and weighing about 50 cwt., were 
 taken and destroyed. 
 
 Her Majesty’s ship Blenheim took up her po- 
 sition within six miles of Canton, in the Macao 
 
126 
 
 BLENHEIM CHANNEL. 
 
 passage, on the 21st, but in consequence of light 
 and variable winds, the whole of the force was 
 not assembled till the 23rd. Nothing of import- 
 ance occurred during the passage up the river, 
 save a ship occasionally running over a sunken 
 junk, which, however, caused no further annoy- 
 ance than the delay until a breach had been 
 formed in the side of the rotten junk, or the 
 flood-tide had floated the ship off. 
 
 It was an extraordinary sight to see the 
 Blenheim in tow of a steamer proceeding leisurely 
 up the back channel, a passage through which 
 nothing but Chinese junks were previously 
 known to pass, and which since this period has 
 been denominated Blenheim Channel. In fact, 
 the Chinese never would permit foreign ships to 
 enter this passage, which, indeed, from its being 
 at all times blocked up with fishing-stakes, offered 
 but little temptation to its being preferred to 
 the old and better known one by Whampoa. 
 Through this latter, a line of battle-ship could 
 not approach nearer the city than twelve miles, 
 whereas in the former. Captain Belcher, R. N., 
 (whose zeal and ability in forwarding the interests 
 
CAPTAIN BELCHER. 
 
 127 
 
 of the public service are too well known to re- 
 quire comment here,) discovered, after caretul 
 surveys, that a seventy-four could proceed to, and 
 float with ease, at low water, six miles distant 
 from the city. This, of course, proved a most 
 valuable discovery, affording as it did every faci- 
 lity in conveying our men, stores, and heavy 
 ordnance, so much nearer the point of attack 
 than would have been the case otherwise. 
 
 The principal point of debarkation selected by 
 Sir Hugh Gough was at a village about five 
 miles by the river line above the factories ; but 
 there were few sources from which information 
 could he obtained as to the feasibility of effecting 
 a landing at this point ; the country to be passed 
 over, the amount of the enemy’s force, or any 
 other difficulties which might present themselves, 
 were also totally unknown. A spirited recon- 
 noitre, made by Captain Belcher, of H. M. S. 
 Sulphur, established the practicability of accom- 
 plishing the former. 
 
 At noon of the 24th, a royal salute was fired 
 from all the ships, in commemoration of the birth 
 of our sovereign, soon after which the troops 
 
128 LANDING EFFECTED AT TSINGHAE. 
 
 were placed in various craft, procured by the 
 great exertions of the Royal Navy. Each of 
 these boats were capable of accommodating from 
 50 to 200 men, and were admirably adapted for 
 protecting them from the sun. This fleet of 
 boats, conveying upw^ards of 2700 men, besides 
 quantities of ordnance and commissariat stores, 
 was taken in tow by the Nemesis, and reached 
 the village of Tsingbae, the point of debarkation, 
 about seven o’clock, p.m., without one accident 
 happening. Had the enemy been on the alert, 
 they might here have committed dreadful havoc 
 amongst us. The 49th regiment landed imme- 
 diately. With this corps the general made a re- 
 connoissance a short distance, and drove back 
 some straggling parties of the enemy. After the 
 picquets had been placed, the 49th returned to 
 the village to cover the landing of the guns, 
 which was effected during the night by the 
 arduous exertions of the artillery. A false alarm 
 roused us about midnight ; it was caused by the 
 fall of a pile of arms in one of the boats. 
 
 At daylight, on the morning of the 25th, the 
 37th regiment, M.N.I., and detachment of Bengal 
 
CHINESE SOLDIERS. 
 
 129 
 
 Volunteers, proceeded as an escort with the 
 general in a westerly direction to a rising ground 
 about a mile from the landing-place. From hence 
 a good view was obtained of the line of country 
 we were to pass over. The enemy’s picquets 
 were seen at their posts for miles on every side. 
 They were all armed with a matchlock, spear, 
 and shield. They beckoned us to advance, but 
 as we neared them they retired. A portion of 
 the escort ordered forward to reconnoitre was 
 attacked by a large party of soldiers, who ad- 
 vanced from the suburbs of the city. These 
 were permitted to come within good musket 
 range, when a volley from our party soon checked 
 their impetuosity ; they speedily retired to a 
 more respectful distance, and again faced round, 
 but satisfied themselves this time with brandish- 
 ing their swords and spears, and going through 
 every gesture of defiance. They appeared to 
 have the will to exterminate our small party, but 
 they wanted the courage to do so. 
 
 A good view of the position we were about to 
 attack was obtained from the rising ground we 
 now occupied. The heights to the north of 
 
 K 
 
130 
 
 PREPARATIONS. 
 
 Canton, covered by four strong forts, and the 
 city walls, which run over the southern extremity 
 of these heights, appeared to be about four miles 
 distant; the intervening ground undulated much, 
 and was intersected by flats, under wet paddy 
 cultivation, and extensive burying-grounds. 
 
 The general having ascertained all he wished, 
 his escort was directed to join the main body. 
 By this time the left column had debarked. This 
 column (the right having been stationed at the 
 factories) was divided into four brigades ; the 
 first — reserve or right brigade, under Major 
 General Bunnell — consisted of the Royal Marines, 
 and 18th Royal Irish, under Captain Ellis and 
 Colonel Adams ; the second brigade was divided 
 into two battalions, one commanded by Captain 
 Maitland, of the Wellesley, and the other by 
 Captain Barlow, of the Nimrod ; the third bri- 
 gade, under Captain Knowles, R.A., was formed 
 by the Royal and Madras Artillery, the former 
 commanded by the Hon. Lieutenant Spencer, 
 and the latter by Captain Anstruther ; and the 
 fourth, or left brigade, consisted of H. M.’s 49th, 
 and 37th M. N. I. and Bengal Volunteers, which 
 
ATTACK COMMENCED. 
 
 13 ] 
 
 corps were commanded respectively by Major 
 Stevens and Captains Duff and Mee. These 
 now received orders to advance. We had not 
 gone many yards when the headless trunk of a 
 camp-follower was discovered ; his body was 
 untouched, but his murderer had, no doubt, car- 
 ried away the head of his victim, to enable him 
 to claim the promised reward. 
 
 Owing to the rugged nature of the ground, 
 there was considerable difficulty and delay in 
 bringing up the rocket-battery and artillery ; and 
 long before they could be brought to bear upon 
 the forts, the enemy had opened a brisk fire upon 
 our advance. About nine a.m. our guns were in 
 position, and a well-directed fire was opened on 
 the two western forts, which had much annoyed 
 us all the morning by a heavy fire. 
 
 Accounts were about this time received of an 
 attack that was made on H. M. S. Sulphur and 
 Nemesis steamer, and an attempt to destroy the 
 boats at the village of Tsing-hae. This was 
 bravely repulsed by the crews of these ships and 
 a detachment of the 37th regiment left at the 
 village. It was here that Captain Hall, of the 
 
 K 2 
 
132 NOBLE ACTION OF CAPTAIN HALL. 
 
 Nemesis, finding that a rocket which he was 
 about to fire became obstructed in the tube, 
 thrust his hand in and pulled it out. In doing 
 this his hand was much injured, but he was the 
 means of saving the lives of many by his boldness. 
 
 When the firing from our guns had lasted for 
 about a couple of hours, every shot having taken 
 effect, the enemy were seen to collect in great 
 numbers at the entrance into their forts, evidently 
 deliberating on the safest direction for flight. 
 
 The fourth brigade was, about 11 a.m., di- 
 rected to carry a hill to the left of the nearest 
 eastern fort, and the first brigade one immedi- 
 ately in front of it. Simultaneous with these 
 attacks, the brigade of seamen was directed to 
 carry the two western forts ; the advance of 
 both to be covered by the concentrated fire of the 
 whole of the guns and rockets. While these 
 movements were in progress, large bodies of the 
 enemy debouched from the surrounding suburbs, 
 threatening our right and rear, and it ultimately 
 became necessary to detach the marines to cover 
 these and support the seamen’s brigade. 
 
 On the advance being sounded, all parties ap- 
 
STORMING THE FORTS. 
 
 133 
 
 peared to vie with one another to reach their 
 respective posts. In the greater part of the ad- 
 vance, the troops had either to wade through 
 recently ploughed fields covered with water, or 
 proceed by single files over a narrow path be- 
 tween two paddy fields. The Chinese were 
 strongly drawn up on the face of the hill, from 
 which missiles of every description were hurled 
 down upon us. From the walls of the city, and 
 from the forts also, volley after volley of round 
 shot and grape were showered forth. Nothing, 
 however, could for a moment withstand the 
 determination of our men. The ascent to the 
 forts was in some places steep and rugged, but 
 they soon gained the summit, by which time the 
 enemy had evacuated them, and were running 
 down the opposite side of the hill, letting off my- 
 riads of barbed rockets, which, however, did no 
 further injury than most effectually to prevent 
 the course of their flight being seen. In one of 
 the forts to the west, however, the sailors had 
 hard work of it, the enemy not leaving their 
 stronghold till by means of escalading ladders the 
 
134 
 
 SUCCESS OF THE BRITISH. 
 
 British tars had effected an entranee, and then, 
 hand to hand, cut them to pieces. 
 
 The result of these combined attacks was, 
 that the whole line of forts was, in the course of 
 one short hour after the order to advance was 
 given, in the possession of the British, whose 
 standard proudly waved over their highest battle- 
 ments, and whose troops looked down on the 
 immense city of Canton, from the walls of which 
 they were barely one hundred paces distant. 
 
 To the north-east of the city, and removed 
 about half a mile from the two eastern forts, was 
 a strongly entrenched camp of considerable ex- 
 tent ; here the enemy appeared to have rallied, 
 and soon became reinforced by bodies of troops 
 from the city. From this encampment parties 
 frequently sallied forth to attack our men, and 
 although as frequently driven off, it exposed us 
 to an annoying fire from the city walls. In the 
 course of the afternoon, they were evidently 
 joined by some officers of distinction from the 
 city, who, riding at the head of their men, se- 
 lected a large detachment from the encampment, 
 
GALLANTRY OF THE ROYAL IRISH. 135 
 
 and proceeded to take possession of a village 
 close to our left. These the 49th soon dislodged. 
 This corps was afterwards reinforced hy the 
 18th, and a company of marines, who also re- 
 ceived orders to take and destroy the encamp- 
 ment, Finding that the 49th had already ef- 
 fected their purpose, the 18th, headed by Colonel 
 Adams, proceeded direct to the camp, which, 
 independent of its own defences, was also well 
 covered by the guns from the city wall. Well 
 and gallantly did the Royal Irish do their duty 
 that day ; regardless both of the shot from the 
 walls, and the showers of grape from the en- 
 trenched camp, they advanced all the way at the 
 double, and in a short time everything was in 
 their possession. The enemy were defeated at all 
 points, and fled across the country ; the encamp- 
 ment was burnt, and the magazines blown up ; 
 after which the force returned to the heights. 
 In this advance there were four officers and 
 several men severely wounded. 
 
 Our total casualties on this day amounted to 
 about seventy. On the side of the enemy the 
 actual loss was never ascertained, but it must 
 
136 
 
 CASUALTIES. 
 
 have been very great. As on all like occasions, 
 many hair-breadth escapes occurred, but none 
 had so narrow a one as the general, having been 
 at one time completely covered with dust and 
 mud, from a shot that struck the ground close to 
 his feet. One chain-shot fired from the city, at 
 the western or Jack’s fort, did fearful execution, 
 having shattered the legs of Lieutenants Fox and 
 Kendall of the Nimrod, besides wounding two 
 seamen. 
 
 The general decided upon taking by assault, 
 and before the panic ceased, a strong and exten- 
 sive fortified height within the city wall; but 
 from the great difficulty in transporting ordnance 
 and ammunition, a few only of the lighter field- 
 pieces had arrived, and the day being so far 
 spent, it was found necessary to postpone further 
 operations till the following day. The few troops, 
 therefore, off duty, bivouacked as best they could 
 during this night. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The seven days bivouac on the heights. 
 
 The morning of the 26th had yet hardly dawned 
 when our chief was on the move. All was now 
 still and quiet. The enemy who, till midnight 
 had kept up an uninterrupted fire upon our posi- 
 tions, disconcerted and fatigued at their vain 
 efforts to dislodge us, appeared to have retired 
 to repose. From the ramparts, which poured 
 forth such volleys yesterday, not a soul was to 
 be seen. From the heights we could perceive 
 the inhabitants deserting the city in great num- 
 bers. Crowds, bearing their property on their 
 shoulders, thronged the streets, and were hurry- 
 ing with all speed towards the gates furthest re- 
 moved from the forts in our possession ; from 
 
138 
 
 PANIC OF THE CHINESE. 
 
 whence, if the eye followed them, myriads of 
 living masses were seen to pour out and disperse 
 throughout the surrounding country. From the 
 city, a constant and unceasing hum went forth. 
 Horses, bullocks, chairs, and every available 
 means of carriage, appeared eagerly sought after ; 
 women and children were heedlessly trampled 
 down by the unthinking multitude, who, urged 
 on by the great ruling passion in the human 
 breast, thought of nought else than self-pre- 
 servation. 
 
 The city of Canton — that proud city, which 
 had so often defied us and insulted our flag, 
 whose population alone was nearly one million, 
 and whose boasted army numbered 50,000, was 
 now humbled before one barely a twentieth part 
 of its strength. The flag of truce, that badge of 
 peace, respected all over the world, but by the 
 Chinese so frequently treated with contempt, was 
 now seen to wave from the most conspicuous 
 parts of the ramparts ; at the same time, a blue- 
 buttoned mandarin, advancing to one of the em- 
 brasures nearest to our position, and waving a 
 white flag, seemed to implore an interview. On 
 
FLAG OF TRUCE. 
 
 139 
 
 this being granted, the Chinese officer stated that 
 he had come to offer certain terms to spare the 
 city. It was explained to him, that the general 
 commanding the British could treat only with 
 the general commanding the Chinese troops, and 
 that if the latter wished for an interview with 
 our general, it could not take place from the 
 city walls, but that tents should be pitched half- 
 way between our position and the city, and that 
 then our general and commodore should meet 
 only those of like rank from the enemy. This 
 arrangement was at once agreed to ; a cessation 
 of hostilities took place for two hours, on the 
 expiration of which the white flag was to be 
 struck, unless the interview proved satisfactory. 
 Hour after hour passed, but no deputation from 
 the city made its appearance ; at the appointed 
 time, therefore, the white flag was hauled down. 
 The Chinese, however, did not follow our ex- 
 ample. This enabled the engineers and artillery 
 to bring their guns into position, and to discover 
 those places where the defences were weakest, 
 without being exposed to the enemy’s Are. 
 
 The rain, during the whole afternoon, fell in 
 
140 ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ASSAULT. 
 
 torrents, and not only prevented the resumption 
 of hostilities, but thoroughly soaked the ground, 
 whieh formed alike the bed for the general and 
 common soldier. Yet no complaint was heard ; 
 and the troops, in their wet clothes, with little 
 food and less drink, went to the respective 
 duties allotted to them for the night without a 
 murmur. 
 
 During this night the artillery and sappers 
 were hard at work. Guns, mortars, rocket- 
 tubes, with their formidable appendages, were all 
 placed in position. Orders had been given for 
 the batteries to open at seven a.m., and for the 
 assault an hour afterwards. The assault was 
 directed to be made in four columns, each of 
 which was to be covered by a sharp fire of 
 musketry to prevent the enemy working their 
 guns. 
 
 An entrance into the city was to be effected 
 either by escalade, or, if practicable, by blowing 
 the gates open with powder-bags. Each column, 
 on efiecting a lodgment, was directed to com- 
 municate with, and support that on its inner 
 flank, and when united, to take possession of the 
 
ARRIVAL OF DESPATCHES 
 
 141 
 
 fortified hill within the walls. The walls of the 
 city were in some places thirty feet high, but it 
 was expected that the concentrated fire from our 
 artillery would form a breach, or reduce the 
 height considerably, so as to facilitate the esca- 
 lading. 
 
 Long before daylight on the 27th, our troops 
 were in their ranks ; not a man was absent. Their 
 several duties had been assigned them. The 
 guns were loaded and primed, the port-fires were 
 lit, and the general and commodore were taking 
 a last look previous to giving the signal to com- 
 mence firing. The enemy, too, now seemed on 
 the alert. They evidently expected an attack, 
 and numbers were seen running backwards and 
 forwards on the ramparts, and taking up their 
 positions at their guns. A few minutes more 
 and the work would have begun ; but suddenly, 
 an unlooked-for obstacle occurred ; a messenger 
 arrived with dispatches from the plenipotentiary 
 to the general and commodore. How anxiously 
 did we all watch the features of those brave and 
 determined men as they each perused their docu- 
 ments. Sir Fleming was the first to speak, and 
 
142 
 
 ANOTHER TREATY OF PEACE. 
 
 those nearest heard him say, “ I protest against 
 the terms of the treaty in toto.” The news soon 
 spread ; Captain Elliot, as usual, acting on the 
 spur of the moment, had, without even paying 
 those who were so far superior to him in every 
 way, even the compliment of asking their advice, 
 concluded a peace with the Chinese, and ran- 
 somed the city of Canton for six millions of 
 dollars. I leave the reader to judge of the dis- 
 appointment felt by the troops on hearing this 
 intelligence. 
 
 The peace was concluded chiefly on the follow- 
 ing terms : — 1st, That the three imperial commis- 
 sioners and all the troops not of the province of 
 Canton, proceed sixty miles from the city within 
 six days ; 2nd, That six millions of dollars be paid 
 wdthin one week from this date as ransom for 
 the city, for the use of the crown of England ; 
 and, 3rd, That until those terms are fulfilled, 
 the British troops remain in their actual posi- 
 tions. Here again the advantages gained by 
 British valour were recklessly thrown away. 
 “ Whatever might be my sentiments,” remarks 
 Sir H. Gough in his despatch to Lord Auckland, 
 
OPINIONS OF THE COMMANDERS. 
 
 143 
 
 “ my duty was to acquiesce ; o*f the policy of the 
 measures, I do not consider myself a competent 
 judge.” And Sir Fleming Senhouse, on the same 
 subject, observes — “ The terms were in oppo- 
 sition to the opinions of the Major-General (Sir 
 Hugh Gough) and myself, as they left the troops 
 in a precarious position for some days, when the 
 conduct of the Chinese hitherto was considered, 
 with whom delay has always been used to 
 strengthen their defences, the result of which 
 has always been a breach of faith. It gave an- 
 other fair opening for Chinese treachery to work, 
 and it took away the apparent symbol of capture, 
 which would have been prevented by seeing the 
 British banners floating within the city walls, 
 and those walls lying crumbling before it. The 
 fortified heights in the city once gained, the 
 Chinese troops might have marched out and laid 
 down their arms, and not a British soldier had 
 any occasion to enter the populous part of the 
 town,” Doubts have frequently been expressed 
 as to H. M. Plenipotentiary’s power to frame the 
 3rd article of this treaty, more especially without 
 taking the advice of the general commanding as 
 
144 
 
 NEW QUARTERS. 
 
 to the practicability of carrying it into execution. 
 Here was our small array to remain for a cer- 
 tain number of days, barely 100 paces removed 
 from the city walls, surrounded by many thou- 
 sands of an enemy of whose faith in adhering to 
 their treaties we have already had several proofs, 
 and who, if they felt inclined, could at once cut 
 off all communication with our shipping ; and in 
 this peculiar position we were directed to remain 
 by a post captain in the Royal Navy. 
 
 As the force was to remain in statu quo 
 until the money was paid, the most comfortable 
 quarters that could be procured were given to 
 the troops. The suburbs of the city, and the 
 villages around, were completely deserted, except 
 by a few old and diseased of both sexes, who 
 were unable to move. 
 
 On the 28th, we entered our new quarters. 
 Hitherto, whether from a burning hot sun, or 
 from torrents of rain, the broad canopy of 
 heaven was our only covering, and the grass 
 our only bed ; but up to this date, with the 
 exception of the wounded, there was not a sick 
 man in the force. When we left our ships, it 
 
FORAGING. 
 
 145 
 
 was never contemplated that our residence on 
 the heights would have exceeded a day or two 
 at most, consequently the force had come very 
 ill prepared for so long a sojourn. We were 
 solely dependent on our transports for supplies, 
 but these were removed about ten miles from 
 our present position ; besides, in transporting 
 them, there was considerable risk and danger of 
 being attacked by armed parties, who scoured 
 the country for plunder. Fortunately, however, 
 a quantity of rice was found in the enemy’s forts, 
 and our foraging parties occasionally returned 
 well laden. Generally the most successful in 
 those expeditions were the Madras Artillery and 
 Sappers and Miners, the profusion and liberality 
 of whose mess was, at all times, certain to attract 
 numerous guests. The great advantage of our 
 Madras servants, who do “ yeverry thing for 
 master,” over those of Bengal, whose caste does 
 not permit them to do more than one description 
 of work, was here very evident. 
 
 It was most gratifying to see the unanimity 
 and good feeling that existed between the Eu- 
 ropean and native soldiers, when employed to- 
 
 L 
 
146 
 
 UNANIMITY OF THE SOLDIERS. 
 
 gether. All caste seemed for the time thrown 
 aside. On our advance up the fortified heights, 
 on the 25th, some convalescents of the 49th 
 regiment, who fell in the rear, were glad to avail 
 themselves of the support willingly offered to 
 them by some men of the 37th regiment, and 
 on gaining the summit, mutual interchanges of 
 the contents of their havresacks were made. 
 
 Occasionally laughable incidents happened to 
 amuse and enliven us ; on one occasion a forag- 
 ing party which had travelled far, returned laden 
 with every variety of stoek. Fatigued by their 
 day’s exertion, they proceeded to a tank in the 
 neighbourhood to wash and refresh themselves ; 
 some of them remarked, on getting into the 
 water, that there were nettles close to the side, 
 at the same time recommending their comrades 
 to get in a little higher up. The nettles were 
 found here also ; and after paddling about in 
 the w^ater for some time, they returned on shore, 
 when, to their astonishment, instead of having 
 been stung by nettles, their bodies were covered 
 with leeches. Two jolly tars were one day seen 
 approaching the lines, driving before them a 
 
THE TARS AND THE PIGS. 
 
 147 
 
 couple of pigs ; as they neared the lines, the 
 animals came to a sudden halt, nor would threats 
 or blows have any effect upon them. If they 
 moved at all, it was in the wrong direction. 
 The sailors, after persevering for some time, could 
 stand this no longer ; each, therefore, seizing 
 his pig, and, to use their own words, “ with the 
 cutlass cut their gullets,” shouldered them, and 
 proceeded quietly home. On the evening of 
 the 28th, a party, which had been a few miles 
 from camp, reported, on their return, that they 
 had discovered, in a village, between sixty and 
 seventy dead and dying Tartars. These evidently 
 were carried there to give us a false idea of the 
 number killed. The Chinese will brave any dan- 
 ger to carry off from the field a disabled or dead 
 comrade. This, of itself, is a great redeeming 
 trait in their character. 
 
 On the 29th, officers and men were to be seen 
 in every direction walking through the deserted 
 suburbs and villages round Canton. Over a 
 large portion of the western suburbs are some 
 extraordinary tombs and magnificent joss-houses, 
 or places of worship ; one very extensive line of 
 
 L 2 
 
148 
 
 MAUSOLEUMS. 
 
 building, close under the city walls, appears solely 
 devoted to the reception of the dead. These are 
 placed in vaults, in strong, substantial, japanned 
 cotfins, elevated on pillars, having painted screens 
 in front, perfumed incense-sticks burning at the 
 head and feet, and variegated lamps hung from 
 the ceiling. These coffins are of enormous thick- 
 ness and strength ; they were, for the most part, 
 placed two in one vault, and, with the exception 
 of a close damp smell, there was no unpleasant 
 sensation perceptible. Outside of these vaults 
 evergreens and creepers were tastefully arranged, 
 and over the doors of many, bee-hives were 
 fixed. In some, the beautiful warbling of the 
 lark and canary at once attracted attention. The 
 poor little birds, neglected for so many days, 
 now welcomed the sounds of approaching foot- 
 steps, little fancying that they, too, were to be- 
 come lawful loat. The contents of a few of the 
 coffins that were opened presented an appearance 
 almost natural. The bodies were all embalmed. 
 They were dressed in a long loose upper garment 
 of silk or crape, which crumbled into powder on 
 being touched ; tight breeches of the same ma- 
 
EMBALMMENT, 
 
 149 
 
 terial, and embroidered shoes. All those exa- 
 mined were males. In the right hand of each 
 was a fan, and in the left a piece of paper, having 
 Chinese characters written thereon. In the cor- 
 ners, and other empty spaces in the cotiins, were 
 small bags containing a strong and very peculiar 
 smelling aromatic powder. To an antiquarian, 
 there were many things in this village to excite 
 interest. 
 
 The Tartar troops, 10,000 in number, this 
 afternoon evacuated the city. They were per- 
 mitted to carry away their arms and baggage ; 
 but no banner was to be displayed, nor music 
 sounded. They passed out at the north-east 
 gate of the city, and through the village occu- 
 pied by the 37th regiment, M. N. I. Yang-fang, 
 their general, a fine-looking old man, was carried 
 in a chair at the head, and his officers rode on 
 ponies by the side of the men. They presented 
 by no means a very martial appearance, and 
 our Sepoys were delighted at the opportunity of 
 laughing at them. Since the arrival of our forces 
 opposite to the wall of Canton, the Tartar and 
 Chinese troops had been carrying on a civil war 
 
150 
 
 PAYMENT OF RANSOM MONEY. 
 
 within the city, the loss on both sides being very 
 great ; moreover, the shipping and land force had 
 so effectually blockaded and besieged the city, that 
 few or no supplies could enter. It was even de- 
 clared, by some very credible witnesses, that the 
 Tartar troops ate the flesh of the Chinese that 
 were slain. The authorities, in fact, were driven 
 to that state, that they would have agreed to any 
 terms we chose to dictate, and have granted a 
 much larger 'ransom had it been demanded. How 
 unfortunate that Captain Elliot’s temperament 
 should be so conciliating ! As it is, however, 
 both the navy and army will be well rewarded 
 for the toils and troubles they have endured. 
 This ransom money being quite unconnected 
 with the original claims on the Chinese, it would 
 be rather hard that those who succeeded in pro- 
 curing it should not benefit therefrom. Besides, 
 we know of no case in the annals of history 
 wherein this practice was deviated from. 
 
 On the morning of the 30th, two-thirds of the 
 ransom money was paid, and shipped on board 
 the Modeste ; another million was in course of 
 payment, and as security was to be taken for the 
 
THE ALARM SOUNDED. 
 
 151 
 
 remainder, we expected to return to our ships 
 the following day. Everything now looked pa- 
 cific. There were certainly some rumours that 
 reinforcements were expected for the protection 
 of the city, and that this delay on the part of 
 the authorities to pay up the balance of the 
 money, was merely an excuse to gain time to 
 enable those troops to arrive. But as the pleni- 
 potentiary gave no credence to these reports, of 
 course no one else did. 
 
 We had not, however, yet finished that most 
 agreeable of all medicines, in almost universal 
 use among those whose fate it is to be resident 
 for any period in a tropical climate, — namely, a 
 cheroot after breakfast — when the bugle, sounding 
 the alarm, was heard. The sound proceeded 
 from the direction of the general’s quarters. It 
 was taken up on all sides. Major Beecher, the 
 quarter-master-general, now made his appearance 
 in the village occupied by the 37th regiment ; 
 to the officer commanding which corps, he said, 
 “ The enemy are advancing upon us, fall in your 
 men, and proceed to support the Cameronians.” 
 
152 
 
 CHINESE ARMY IN THE FIELD. 
 
 The regiment was soon under arms and in po- 
 sition. 
 
 A large body of Chinese was here observed 
 in front, drawn out in line, and certainly pre- 
 senting a most formidable appearance. They 
 covered a space of ground about a mile in length, 
 and were removed from the heights about three 
 miles. The 37th regiment was directed to pro- 
 ceed towards the left, the 26th to the right, and 
 the marines, who had just come up, advanced in 
 the centre. The day was one of the hottest the 
 oldest Indian present had ever experienced, and 
 the ground over which the troops had to pass 
 was either paddy fields or thick jungle. How- 
 ever, where no paths wmre found, new ones were 
 formed. The 37th had not proceeded far, when 
 they surprised a large body of the enemy’s ad- 
 vance. These were quietly sitting under the 
 shade of some trees, drinking tea, nor were they 
 aware of our approach until a few well directed 
 musket bullets, from our light company, whizzed 
 in amongst them, upon which they all took to 
 their heels, leaving their spears, their cups, and 
 
ROCKETS. 
 
 153 
 
 their buckets of tea for their pursuers. We ad- 
 vanced upon the main body. These were soon 
 in full flight. They did not at all appear to 
 relish our steady advance, nor that of the Royal 
 Marines and the Cameronians. We now fell 
 back, and were shortly joined by the General 
 and his staff, and H. M. 49th regiment ; this 
 regiment, with the Royal Marines, were now di- 
 rected to return to their quarters ; the General 
 himself remaining, with the wing of the 26th 
 and 37th regiments, to watch the movements of 
 the Chinese, who had retreated to a range of 
 heights in front. These were here joined by 
 large reinforcements, and numbered certainly 
 upwards of 10,000. They came down to the 
 plain, and, shouting, beating their gongs, and 
 waving their banners, continued steadily and 
 boldly to advance. Captain Knowles, who had 
 at this time arrived with some rockets, plowed 
 line after line through their ranks ; still they did 
 not appear intimidated. The rain unfortunately 
 began to threaten — a storm was evidently ap- 
 proaching. At this moment the heat was most 
 oppressive, and both officers and men were 
 
154 
 
 DEATH OF MAJOR BEECHER. 
 
 greatly exhausted. The atmosphere was close 
 and dense — the roll of distant thunder was 
 heard, and the rays of the sun had so heated 
 the air, that on its being inhaled, a sensation 
 was left in the lungs similar to that felt when the 
 vapour bath has been raised to too high a tem- 
 perature. It was about this time that Major 
 Beecher, deputy quarter-master-general, dropped 
 down dead from a coup de soldi. 
 
 It was evident the enemy must he driven back 
 and dispersed, otherwise they might advance 
 upon our camp during the night. The threaten- 
 ing aspect of the weather rendered it necessary to 
 effect this without delay. About two p.m. the 
 General directed Major Pratt to proceed and dis- 
 perse a large body that occupied an extensive line 
 of paddy-field on his left, and to clear the hills to 
 his front. The 37th regiment was at the same 
 time ordered to dislodge a similar body to the 
 right, and then push forward to clear the hills to 
 their front. The latter corps was supported by 
 the Bengal Volunteers. A company of the 37th 
 regiment was directed to proceed to the left, to 
 keep up a communication with the Cameronians. 
 
THUNDER STORM. 
 
 155 
 
 As usual, the nearer we approached the Chinese, 
 the further they retired. We pursued the enemy 
 for upwards of four miles, when it was judged 
 prudent to retire. 
 
 The thunder-storm was now awful, the rain 
 fell in torrents, and prevented our seeing an 
 object even removed a few yards distant. Many 
 of our firelocks had got wet ; at one time the 
 26th had been unable to fire a single musket, and 
 many of them were surrounded by the Chinese, 
 who, on seeing us retire, again collected on our 
 flanks and rear. The want of a few light cavalry 
 was here much felt. 
 
 It would be difficult to give a description of 
 this retrograde movement. The rain had com- 
 pletely obliterated every trace of a foot-path. All 
 before us was one sea of water. At times the 
 leading files would suddenly disappear in some 
 deep pit or ditch, which it was impossible to 
 guard against. The thunder and lightning were 
 perfectly terrific. The Chinese, no doubt, looked 
 upon the storm as a judgment inflicted by their 
 gods on the barbarians. 
 
 About five p.M. the 37th had arrived at the 
 
156 
 
 A COMPANY MISSING. 
 
 position they originally started from. Here Sir 
 Hugh Gough still stood, and how gratified must 
 every man present have been to see him so satis- 
 fied with what had been done. He shook hands 
 with and thanked the native officers for their ex- 
 ertions. The 26th were seen approaching; and 
 as the detached company of the 37th was sup- 
 posed to be in its rear, we were ordered to return 
 to our barracks. We had not, however, gone far, 
 when it was discovered that the detached com- 
 pany had never joined the 26th. An express was 
 immediately dispatched for two companies of the 
 Royal Marines, armed with percussion muskets. 
 The portion of the force that had been employed 
 all day were fatigued, and the rain had rendered 
 their firelocks unserviceable, so that it would 
 have been useless to have sent them in search of 
 the missing men. 
 
 The rear of the 26th, while returning, had 
 been much annoyed by the enemy, who, taking 
 advantage of the almost helpless state of the men, 
 whose bayonets were all but useless weapons 
 when opposed to the enemy’s long spears, could 
 offer but little resistance beyond self-protection. 
 
NOVEL WEAPON. 
 
 157 
 
 With an instrument resembling a shepherd’s 
 crook attached to a long bamboo, the Chinese 
 contrived to pull over some of the rear-rank 
 men, and afterwards rush on the unfortunate 
 victims with their swords. Major Pratt, in sav- 
 ing the life of one, was pulled over with one of 
 those weapons, but sustained no other injury 
 than having his jacket torn from the collar to the 
 cuff. The 26th lost in this affair three men, and 
 had one officer and ten men wounded. 
 
 Great anxiety was entertained for the fate of 
 the missing company. It was natural to sup- 
 pose that, by this time, the men would be con- 
 siderably fatigued. Their food had just been 
 cooked, when the order arrived to fall in ; and 
 so anxious were they to close with the “ soors” 
 (pigs) who had been the means of bringing them 
 from their own country, (an expression which 
 the Sepoys were often heard to make use of) 
 that they preferred leaving their meal untouched, 
 saying that they would have a better appetite 
 for it on their return ; consequently none of 
 them had tasted food since the previous day at 
 noon. They were, moreover, exposed the whole 
 
158 RESCUE OF THE MISSING COMPANY. 
 
 of this day to most harassing duty ; at one time, 
 under a broiling sun, and at another, under 
 drenching rain. In a small force like ours — at 
 least, small compared to the numbers opposed 
 to us, the loss of even one company of sixty 
 men would be severely felt ; but Providence had 
 destined it otherwise. An occasional musket 
 shot was heard by the marines in search, and on 
 advancing towards the spot from whence it pro- 
 ceeded, a distinct “ hurrah” was heard to follow 
 each report. The marines also fired a few shots, 
 and returned the “ hurrah and before they 
 were aware of it, (for at this time it was quite 
 dark, and continued to rain,) came suddenly 
 upon a large body of Chinese, who scampered 
 off so soon as they saw the reinforcement ap- 
 proaching, and exposed to view the lost party, 
 drawn up in form of a square. 
 
 “ It gives me no ordinary gratification,” re- 
 marks the general in his dispatch to the 
 Governor- General of India, “ to say that a little 
 after dark they found Lieutenant Hadfield, with 
 his gallant company in square, surrounded by 
 some thousand Chinese, who, as the 37th’s fire- 
 
CONGRATULATIONS. 
 
 159 
 
 locks would not go off, had approached close to 
 them. The Sepoys, I am proud to say, in this 
 critical situation, nobly upheld the high cha- 
 racter of the native army by unshrinking disci- 
 pline and cheerful obedience ; and I feel that the 
 expression of my best thanks is due to Lieu- 
 tenant Hadfield, and to Lieutenant Devereux and 
 Ensign Berkeley, who zealously supported him 
 during this trying scene.” A few well-directed 
 volleys, fired by the marines in the direction of 
 the cowardly enemy, instantly dispersed them 
 with great loss, after which the whole party re- 
 turned homewards, the marines carrying such as 
 were wounded. It was about nine, p.m., when 
 they reached the lines, where many hearty con- 
 gratulations passed on all sides. Lieutenant 
 Whiting commanded the detachment of marines 
 which was thus the means of preserving the for- 
 lorn company of the 37th regiment. It now ap- 
 peared that this company commenced returning 
 about the same time as the rest of the force 
 composing the advance ; they had not, how- 
 ever, proceeded far when they perceived indis- 
 tinctly through the rain a body of men, whom 
 
160 
 
 EFFECTS OF THE RAIN. 
 
 they supposed to be the 26th, advancing towards 
 them. These soon approached sufficiently close 
 to convince the party that their situation now 
 was a most critical one, and that it was the 
 enemy who were collecting again in great force. 
 They attempted to retire, but were soon sur- 
 rounded by about 3000 men, who, yelling like 
 fiends, and considering the party their prey, were 
 fast closing on them. A few well-directed shots 
 from the muskets that were still serviceable told 
 well in the crowd ; among those first knocked 
 over, was their chief and their standard-bearer. 
 The former was immediately picked up, and was 
 being carried to the rear on the shoulders of one 
 of his men, when another shot from the square 
 brought both to the ground. The rain, having 
 now ceased, the party was enabled to fire a few 
 volleys, which for a time dispersed the enemy, 
 and allowed them to proceed a considerable way 
 home, the Chinese, however, keeping at some 
 distance in the rear. On the rain again coming on, 
 they closed, and a second time surrounded our 
 party, which had here the mortification to see, in 
 the distance, the rest of the force proceeding on 
 
COOLNESS OF THE SEPOYS. 
 
 161 
 
 to camp. At this time not a musket would go 
 off, and, as we have already said, little resistance 
 could be otFered with the bayonet against the 
 enemy’s long spears. The company remained in 
 this position upwards of an hour, the enemy re- 
 moved only from fifteen to thirty paces ; had they 
 possessed the slightest determination, they might 
 have at once annihilated our small party, but the 
 steady front of bayonets frightened them. The 
 rain ceasing to fall for a time, enabled the party 
 to discharge a few of their muskets, and every 
 bullet told, as a matter of course. The men, who 
 had been throughout as steady in their ranks as 
 they could possibly be on parade, now com- 
 menced extracting the wet cartridges, and baling 
 water into the barrels of their pieces, and with 
 the lining of their turbans (the only dry thing 
 about them) washed and dried them. This was 
 done, too, with the enemy removed but a few 
 paces from them. The party was thus enabled 
 to fire several volleys in succession, which forced 
 the enemy to retire, and again our men pro- 
 ceeded a considerable way homewards, followed, 
 however, though at a respectful distance, by the 
 
 M 
 
1G2 
 
 BRAVERY OF THE SEPOYS 
 
 enemy. The rain again returning, encouraged 
 the Chinese to advance ; nothing, therefore, was 
 left for our men but again to form square, in 
 which position they made up their minds to re- 
 main till morning. It was here that one of the 
 enemy, armed with a musket belonging to a 
 sepoy who had been killed, retired behind a 
 bank, distant from the square about twenty paces, 
 and deliberately resting the piece on the bank, 
 applied his slow match to the powder in the pan, 
 and lodged the ball in Lieutenant Berkeley’s arm. 
 The party had been in this position for about 
 two hours when they first became aware that 
 assistance was approaching. 
 
 During the whole of the period this small 
 party was so much harassed, no body of men 
 could possibly have been steadier, or behaved with 
 greater coolness and bravery, The eagerness 
 with which they obeyed the orders of their 
 officers, their agility in warding off every blow, 
 and resisting the sudden rushes on the square, 
 their determination in saving the lives of their 
 comrades, who more than once fell into the hands 
 of the enemy, and their steady conduct through- 
 
TARTAR DEMONSTRATION. 
 
 163 
 
 out, reflect not only credit on themselves, but 
 also on the army they belong to, and deserve to 
 be recorded in the annals of British India as a 
 proof of what can be effected by discipline and 
 bravery. 
 
 The loss this company sustained was, two pri- 
 vates killed, one officer and thirteen men severely 
 wounded. The party had hardly quitted their last 
 position, when the enemy opened a fire upon 
 them from a small gun which they had mounted 
 on a neighbouring rising ground, but the shot 
 fell short. There can be little doubt that the 
 salvation of this company was mainly owing to 
 its having its full complement of European 
 officers present with it. 
 
 On the 31st, 8000 Tartar troops left the city, 
 and the remainder were prepared to follow when 
 carriage was provided. Doubts were entertained 
 whether treachery was not contemplated, more 
 especially as a large body of men was again 
 assembling on the scene of yesterday’s contest. 
 Information was now communicated to the au- 
 thorities in the city, that if there was again 
 any demonstration of hostilities, the white flag 
 
 M 2 
 
164 
 
 RETURN TO THE SHIPS. 
 
 should be hauled down, and the city imme- 
 diately stormed. They declared that this hostile 
 movement was wdthout their knowledge, and 
 against their consent ; that they were villagers 
 and militia, w^ho, calling themselves “ Soldiers of 
 Righteousness,” had assembled to protect the 
 villages in the plain. A mandarin was sent from 
 the city to communicate with them, upon which 
 the whole body instantly retreated and dispersed. 
 The troops, who had been again ordered out on 
 the re-appearance of this force, now returned to 
 their lines. 
 
 Five millions of dollars having been received, 
 and satisfactory security procured for the re- 
 mainder, the force left the heights above Canton 
 on the morning of the 1st of June, the Chinese 
 having furnished 800 coolies to convey guns, 
 stores, &c., to the village of Tsinghae, from 
 whence we were again taken in tow' of the Ne- 
 mesis, and reached our respective ships that 
 evening, having left the great city of Canton a 
 second time “ a record of British magnanimity 
 and forbearance.” 
 
CHAPTER XVI . 
 
 Death of Sir Humphrey Le Fleming Senhouse — Return of 
 Commodore Sir Gordon Bremer — Sickness at Hong- 
 Kong — Typhoons of 21st and 26th July. 
 
 On the departure of Sir Le Fleming Senhouse 
 from England, it was intended that he should 
 have been second in command of the naval por- 
 tion of the expedition. But from a succession 
 of untoward circumstances, the intention could 
 not be carried into effect. This, at the time, 
 was very tantalizing, and it became the more so 
 when, in November, 1840, on Admiral Elliot’s 
 proceeding home, the supreme command of the 
 fleet devolved upon the officer who, by the 
 merest chance, had superseded him, and who 
 was his senior in rank by a few days only. Nor 
 was it until the month of March, 1841, on the 
 
166 
 
 SIR LE FLEMING SENHOUSE 
 
 departure of Sir Gordon Bremer to Calcutta, 
 that Sir Fleming became senior officer of the 
 beet. 
 
 As has been seen, it was during the brief 
 reign of this gallant veteran that the most 
 brilliant occurrences of the expedition have 
 taken place. 
 
 In his own service. Sir Fleming was beloved 
 and respected, except by those few whose zeal 
 did not form a prominent part of their cha- 
 racter. 
 
 With the army he was an universal favourite. 
 From him they at all times derived every pos- 
 sible assistance ; to co-operate with them seemed 
 to afford him pleasure. Situated as that branch 
 of the service is on this, and, indeed, on all joint 
 expeditions, and dependent so frequently on the 
 navy for many of their comforts, they have had 
 every reason to feel grateful to Sir Fleming for 
 his assiduous attentions, and his anxiety at all 
 times to meet their wishes. 
 
 During the operations above Canton, he ex- 
 erted himself in an extraordinary degree — at one 
 time present with the fleet in the river, and at 
 
HIS DEATH. 
 
 167 
 
 another with the general in the field. Like 
 many others, however, excitement and hard 
 work seemed to steel him against disease, though 
 inhaling the poisonous miasma exhaled from the 
 swamps and paddy which surrounded our posi- 
 tion. It was on the passage down the river that 
 sickness made its appearance in the force, and 
 Sir Fleming was destined to be the first to sink 
 under it. 
 
 On the morning of the 13th of June, when it 
 was announced to him that all hopes of saving 
 his life was at an end, he immediately directed 
 that the signal be made for all captains of H. M.’s 
 ships to repair on board ; but ere the first had 
 arrived, our gallant commodore was a corpse. 
 
 He carried with him to the grave the regret 
 of all. “ He participated in all the privations 
 that the troops underwent on the heights above 
 Canton, and has fallen a victim to the zeal that 
 marked his character.” He was buried at Macao, 
 and a monument was erected over his remains 
 by a joint subscription of the officers of the 
 army and navy. 
 
 On the 22nd of June, Commodore Sir Gordon 
 
166 
 
 SICKNESS. 
 
 Bremer returned from Calcutta, invested with 
 authority by her Majesty to co-operate with 
 Captain Elliot as joint plenipotentiary. 
 
 Sickness had, in the meantime, prostrated 
 many in the force and fleet. Death had num- 
 bered some of our best men among its victims. 
 In a few weeks, however, a rapid improvement 
 took place among those who had not been re- 
 moved from their transports, or who, on the 
 continued increase of disease, had returned to 
 them. The troops who were obliged to remain 
 on shore continued to suffer much. Two-thirds 
 of the latter were, during the months of June, 
 July, and August, quite unfit for duty. Nor 
 was there a solitary European at this time resi- 
 dent on the island who escaped the prevailing 
 fever, the recovery from which was frequently 
 uncertain, or the convalesence tardy and unsa- 
 tisfactory. 
 
 Malaria, always present in marshy and certain 
 jungly districts, caused by the decomposition of 
 vegetable and animal substances, is on the 
 island of Hong-Kong to be found, where no 
 vegetable is to be seen, and where no marsh 
 
CLIMATE OF HONG-KONG. 
 
 169 
 
 exists. Fevers appear an endemic disease on 
 the coast of China, to guard against which, even 
 the poorest peasant spares no expense or trouble 
 to make his dwelling comfortable, and thus 
 protect him from those frequent and sudden 
 transitions from heat to cold so frequent in this 
 climate. Moreover, the natives so regulate their 
 dress, that at one period of the day they may he 
 seen in the thinnest and coolest hahiliments, and 
 in another, clad in furs and woollens ; or what is 
 a more general habit, they put on a succession 
 of garments as the cold increases, and again 
 throw them aside as it becomes warm. 
 
 The climate of Hong-Kong at this period was 
 most variable, the thermometer ranging fre- 
 quently 10°, 15°, and at times 20°, in the twenty- 
 four hours. The troops were cantoned on the 
 brow of a high hill, from whence cold blasts of 
 wind and heavy falls of rain were in quick suc- 
 cession followed by a burning hot sun ; and the 
 barracks provided for them were wretchedly ill 
 adapted for so changeable a climate. Is it a 
 wonder, then, that disease increased ? In the 
 37th regiment, 600 strong, barely 100 men were 
 
170 
 
 CROWDED HOSPITALS. 
 
 effective ; two of the officers had died, and of the 
 sixteen remaining, one only was fit for duty. In 
 our crowded hospitals, sores of a frightful cha- 
 racter made their appearance ; these terminated 
 in hospital gangrene. The slightest abraded sur- 
 face speedily degenerated into a foul, malignant 
 ulcer ; wounds received in action at Cheumpee 
 and elsewhere, but which had been cicatrized for 
 days and days, now again broke out. Many poor 
 fellows, proud of their wounds, and rendered 
 thereby disqualified for further effective service, 
 looked forward with pleasure and anxiety to the 
 period of return to their native homes, where they 
 would be enabled to spend the rest of their days 
 in ease and comfort with their families, on the 
 bountiful provision of their honourable masters, 
 were now cut off. 
 
 The corps was exactly in this state, with an 
 hospital crowded to overflowing, when the typhoon 
 of the 21st of July came on. It had commenced 
 about midnight, and continued steadily increasing 
 in violence, and at six a.m. it blew a hurricane 
 from the N.W. The hospital of the 37th, which 
 fronted in this direction, was a continued line of 
 
THE TYPHOON. 
 
 171 
 
 building, constructed of bamboo and palmyra 
 leaf, 200 feet long by 18 broad, into which up- 
 wards of 300 men were stowed — an additional 
 hundred having a few days previously been 
 placed on board ship. 
 
 I had about half finished my visit in the morn- 
 ing of this day, when I observed the side of the 
 building facing the gale evidently yield to the 
 force of the tempest. I immediately directed 
 those of the sick who could move to leave the 
 building forthwith, and was hastening to do so 
 myself also, when suddenly I heard a tremendous 
 crash, and ere I was able to reach the door, with 
 many others, was thrown on my face, and crushed 
 under the wreck of the building. The shrieks 
 and groans of the miserable bed-ridden patients, 
 the howling of the wind, and the crackling of the 
 beams, sounded to me, when I had recovered 
 consciousness, something more than horrifying, 
 more especially as I was myself deprived, by an 
 intolerable dead weight upon my shoulders and 
 back, which pressed my chest to the ground, 
 from taking part in it. The ground on which I 
 had fallen was fortunately much softened with 
 
172 DESTRUCTION OF THE BARRACKS. 
 
 the rain, the building having been thrown several 
 feet beyond its original foundation. I was thus 
 enabled, after extricating my arms, and assisted 
 by a sepoy, who was equally anxious with myself 
 to become free, to scrape, or rather burrow, my 
 way out, and tottering to my brother officers’ 
 quarters, apprised them of their danger, and an- 
 nounced to them what had already happened. 
 
 By dint of very great exertions on the part of 
 the officers and the few men who could be pro- 
 cured, the sick were extricated from the wreck 
 of the hospital, and placed in one of the other 
 barracks — alas ! merely to have the same scene 
 acted over again. Barrack after barrack was 
 levelled with the ground. The officers’ houses 
 followed ; their kit was flying about in all direc- 
 tions. The force of the wind tore the very floor- 
 ing from the sleepers. It was now same qui pent, 
 for there was danger in remaining in the vicinity 
 of the lines. 
 
 The sea, at all other times in this harbour so 
 still and smooth, was now fiercely agitated, and 
 had already encroached upon the island far be- 
 yond its natural bounds. Ships drifting from 
 
SHIPS ON SHORE. 
 
 173 
 
 their anchorages were seen rapidly nearing the 
 shore, while their crews were labouring hard to 
 cut away the masts, their only chance of preser- 
 vation. Occasionally, as the atmosphere cleared 
 across the bay, several ships could be seen clus- 
 tered in one spot, giving one another a friendly 
 embrace. Ships of seven and eight hundred tons 
 were on shore, in water which, on ordinary occa- 
 sions, is barely knee-deep. Innumerable boats 
 were scattered in fragments on the beach, while 
 underneath and around them were many mangled 
 and lacerated corpses of Chinese. 
 
 At three p.m. the typhoon was at its height; 
 the wind and drenching rain continued unabated, 
 and torrents, in form of cascades, poured down 
 the hills, sweeping everything before them. The 
 houses had all been destroyed, and no covering 
 remained to protect from the raging elements. 
 The natives were running wildly about, vainly 
 beseeching succour from their gods. At times 
 masses of loose stone would become separated 
 from the mountains, and roll down the hill like 
 a huge avalanche, threatening destruction to all 
 below. The last days of Hong-Kong seemed 
 
174 
 
 ANOTHER typhoon. 
 
 approaching. It was a grand but tru]^ awful 
 sight. 
 
 It will be easier to conceive than to describe 
 the helpless and wretched condition in which the * 
 inhabitants of this newly-colonized island spent 
 this night. 
 
 On the evening of the 25th, and the greater 
 part of the 26th of July, the island was again 
 visited by a typhoon, which, though not so vio- 
 lent as that now described, swept away all that 
 escaped the gale of the 21st. It destroyed the 
 temporary buildings thrown up, and exposed the 
 wretched inmates a second time to the fury of a 
 dreadful tempest of wind and rain. The losses 
 sustained, both in life and property, by these 
 typhoons, have been fearfully disastrous. The 
 closeness and oppressive nature of the atmo- 
 sphere some hours previous to their coming on, 
 evidently indicated the approach of a storm ; and 
 the native population, who are generally pretty 
 correct in their indications of the weather, fore- 
 told, as did also the barometer, on both occa- 
 sions, that a typhoon might be expected. 
 
 Connected with this subject, I shall devote the 
 
LOSS OF A CUTTER. 
 
 175 
 
 following chapter to a graphic and interesting 
 account of thd loss of one of H. M.’s cutters, 
 (communicated by Lieutenant Morgan, R.N., to 
 •that admirable periodical. The Chinese Repository,) 
 having on board the two plenipotentiaries, who 
 fell into the hands of the Chinese, and who very 
 narrowly escaped a trip to Pekin. 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Narrative of the loss of H. B. M.’s cutter Louisa, in tlie 
 typhoon of the 21st of July, 1841. 
 
 July 20th. — 'Went on board the Louisa, with the 
 commodore and Captain Elliot, for the purpose 
 of proceeding to Hong-Kong to rejoin the Wel- 
 lesley. The wind being light, and the ebb-tide 
 making strong, we were compelled to anchor 
 about two o’clock, p.m., to wait for the flood, 
 which made about five ; and a good breeze then 
 springing up, we stood along through the Lantao 
 passage, though rather too far to the southward, 
 having been drifted down by the tide. The wind 
 gradually freshened to about a double-reefed top- 
 sail breeze, and at ten o’clock, finding we were 
 going to leeward, we anchored close under the 
 island of Laff-sam-ee; wind north. 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 177 
 
 July 21st. — At about half-past twelve o’clock 
 at night weighed again, and endeavoured to 
 weather the Island of Ichow, but could not ; and 
 the cutter being close to the shore, and having 
 missed stays twice, we were compelled to go to 
 leeward of it. Wind north, a little westerly : 
 course to Hong-Kong, north-east. Attempted 
 to work to windward, but could do nothing; cut- 
 ter again missed stays, and in wearing, when the 
 mainsail was jibbed, the main-boom snapped in 
 halves. We double reefed the sail, got a sheet 
 aft, and tried her under that sail, with the mizzen, 
 fore-staysail, and jib, but she was lagging away 
 to leeward so fast, that, the wind too having in- 
 creased considerably, we were forced to anchor 
 about half-way between Ichow and Chichow, with 
 a reef of rocks astern of us ; as we anchored, the 
 mizzen bumkin went before tbe sail could be 
 taken in. 
 
 As day broke, the prospect was anything but 
 cheering; it was blowing a gale from N.W. to 
 N.N.W., and evidently increasing in violence 
 every moment ; a heavy sea was running, which 
 the little cutter rode out beautifully, only now 
 
 N 
 
178 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 and then shipping a sea ; every hatch was now 
 battened down, and the increasing sea frequently 
 broke over us ; our anchors and cables being- 
 good, we held on well. About eight o’clock, a.m., 
 it was manifest that we must slip, hut it was 
 determined to hold on until we could do so no 
 longer; about nine o’clock, a.m., the heavy pitch- 
 ing carried away the jib-boom ; and the gaff-top- 
 sail being still aloft, after much difficulty it was 
 got down, and the head of the topmast twisted 
 off, but the spar could not be got on deck ; it was 
 accordingly lashed, and we stood by to slip. 
 About a quarter past ten o’clock the land was 
 seen through the haze, close under our lee, and 
 the cutter was driving down upon it : we imme- 
 diately slipped, cut away the mizzen-mast, and 
 put the vessel before it, shipping some very 
 heavy seas in the attempt. The fore-staysail 
 was hoisted, but instantly blown out of the bolt- 
 rope ; the peak of the mainsail was then ordered 
 to be swayed up above the gunwale, in order that 
 we might have her under command ; — the men 
 clapped on the throat-halyards, and the peak fell 
 down and was jammed in the larboard gangway 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 179 
 
 abaft ; we were by this time within sixty yards of 
 the shore, upon which the surf was breaking 
 terrifically. Mr. Owen, the second master, in- 
 cautiously went before the gangway, and at- 
 tempted to lift the peak out clear, the men swaying 
 on the halyards at the same time ; it suddenly 
 flew out, and jerked Mr. Owen into the sea, 
 swung round, and was brought up by the fore 
 rigging ; the gaff went in two, and the sail, with 
 part of the gaff, went forward, and was jammed 
 before the rigging, — the foot of the sail towing 
 overboard, thus leaving us an excellent little sail 
 to scud under ; it was instantly lashed and made 
 secure. A tumbling sea, which broke over us, 
 washed everything off the deck that was not 
 lashed, and amongst other things a hen-coop, 
 which poor Owen got hold of, after having taken 
 off his pea-jacket in the water. Another heavy 
 sea broke on board, washed away the man at the 
 tiller, and unshipped it ; we were within twenty 
 yards of the surf, and our situation truly awful. 
 Owen’s fate now seemed but the precursor 
 of ours, and our moments, we thought, were 
 numbered ; but the hand of Providence was 
 
180 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 stretched forth to save us. Lord Amelius Beau- 
 clerk caught hold of the tiller, and endeavoured 
 to ship it, but a heavy lurch sent him to leeward ; 
 
 I picked it up, and, with the assistance of the 
 men, it was shipped, put hard a-port, and we 
 passed clear of the end of the island, with the 
 surf nearly breaking on board of us. 
 
 We could do nothing but run before the gale, 
 keeping a good look-out a-head, and thus we 
 passed about an hour of anxiety and uncertainty, 
 lest there should be other land to leeward. Our 
 doubts on this matter were soon over, for the cry 
 of “breakers right a-head” seemed again to 
 warn us that our lives were but of short duration ; 
 the land appeared towering many hundred feet 
 above us, and the roar of the breakers, as they 
 dashed against a precipitous wall of granite, was 
 heard above the fearful violence of the tempest. 
 “ Hard a-port !” — and — “ hard a-starboard !” — 
 were shouted out in quick succession by Captain 
 Elliot, who was standing forward, holding on by 
 the fore rigging ; as the little vessel obeyed her 
 helm, a blast, which seemed a concentration of 
 all the winds, threw lier nearly on her broadside. 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 181 
 
 but she gallantly stood up again under it, and we 
 passed within a few yards of a smooth granite 
 preeipice, on which the sea first broke, and to 
 have touched which would have shivered the 
 cutter into a thousand fragments. We ran along 
 this frightful coast, the wind nearly a-beam, for 
 not less than 300 yards, expecting every moment 
 to be our last ; but God, in his infinite mercy, 
 was pleased to have us in his special keeping, and 
 we rounded the end of this land, with the feelings 
 of men who had been delivered from a frightful, 
 and, as we deemed, an inevitable death, with not 
 a chance (from the nature of the coast) of one of 
 our lives being saved. 
 
 We now had evidently (from the long follow- 
 ing seas) got out of the immediate vicinity of the 
 islands, and the wind abated a little ; the sail 
 was scarcely sufficient to steady the vessel, and 
 to keep her before the seas, which frequently 
 broke over us. We passed through a space of 
 about two and a half or three miles, which was 
 covered with floating fragments of wrecks of 
 Chinese and foreign vessels, affording a melan- 
 choly proof of what devastation of property and 
 
182 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 loss of life must have been caused, and that, our 
 lives being spared, we had much to be thankful 
 for. 
 
 It was now about three o’clock, p.m., and the 
 wind had gradually veered round to E. and S.E., 
 and continued shifting between those points, so 
 that our course was from W. to N.W., but nearer 
 the former than the latter. We concluded that 
 we had passed to the southward of the Ladrones, 
 and if so, that we must, by steering that course, 
 be running directly for the shore about Mon- 
 tanha. The water now became very much dis- 
 coloured, so much so as to leave a sediment on 
 the decks and on our clothes as the sea broke 
 over us : two hand leads were lashed together, 
 and we got soundings in seven fathoms. The 
 gale was blowing with redoubled fury, and it was 
 plain that, this time, as we were running on to- 
 wards the main, (or rather, the western inlands,) 
 there was only one chance of safety for us, and 
 that was, to get into one of the many creeks or 
 channels for boats which are rather numerous 
 about that part of the coast ; and, failing this, to 
 run her into shoaler water, let go the anchor. 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 183 
 
 and put our trust in that all-seeing Providence 
 who had already twice preserved us. “ High 
 land right a-head !” again put to flight all our 
 speculations ; and we were once more to find 
 ourselves saved from imminent peril. The wind 
 literally howled and screamed through the rig- 
 ging, and our little sail began to shew symptoms 
 of being no longer able to withstand the fearful 
 conflict. Again the land towered above us, and 
 a surf broke close on our larboard beam, about 
 150 yards from the shore ; we cleared this dan- 
 ger, and ran along the land. Suddenly, through 
 the mist, a gap was seen in the outline, and high 
 land trending away beyond on both sides, which 
 Captain Elliot instantly declared to be a creek : 
 our hopes were fixed on rounding the point, 
 where we should be, comparatively speaking, in 
 shelter ; but the thing seemed impossible. The 
 wind and waves, as if determined not to be again 
 robbed of their prey, raged with inconceivable 
 fury ; and the serf, breaking to a height of 150 
 feet, gave us too sure intimation of what would 
 be our fate should we but touch the iron-bound 
 coast. We steered as high for clearing the point 
 
184 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 as possible ; we gradually neared it ; each surf 
 broke closer, — we could only hold our course ; 
 we seemed bearing down upon the breakers ; it 
 was an awful moment ! — we were looking for 
 and expecting the shock, beyond which all would 
 be oblivion ; a surf broke almost on board, and 
 the cutter was hid in the spray — a terrific blast 
 split our sail to shreds ; “ hard a-port !” — a mo- 
 ment of breathless suspense, — and, thanks be to 
 Almighty God, we passed clear. We felt di- 
 rectly that we were partially sheltered, and stood 
 by the anchor, for we were drifting right upon 
 the shore ; it was accordingly let go, and held, 
 checking her way for a moment, and nearly 
 taking her under water. A heavy sea broke 
 over us, and I fancied we were lifted over a rock, 
 for I was quite sensible of a shock, which a per- 
 son who has once been aground cannot easily 
 mistake ; the cable flew out of the hawse, and 
 the anchor again brought us on our beam-ends ; 
 the water was up to the combings of the hatch- 
 ways, but she rose very slowly ; we were within 
 thirty yards of the rocks, and embayed ; the 
 cable had checked her considerably, and we 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 185 
 
 slowly drifted toward the shore, Captain Elliot 
 conning her. The cable running out, she struck 
 about fifteen or twenty yards from the precipi- 
 tous coast, the next sea lifted her so that she 
 bilged, and filled instantly, with her starboard 
 how touching a detached rock, and receding with 
 the sea. Several people jumped overboard, 
 others got on the rocks on the starboard bow, 
 and threw themselves down to prevent being 
 washed off by the surf, which now swept the 
 vessel, and threatened her with almost instant 
 annihilation. Great danger was apprehended 
 from the fall of the mast, which would have 
 come upon those who were on the rock. One 
 of the boys swam over, and a rope being thrown 
 him, he made it fast to the shore, and it was 
 passed round a portion of our rock of refuge, by 
 wdiicli means all hands got safely on shore. 
 Captain Elliot and two of the men were washed 
 off the rock, but fortunately succeeded in reach- 
 ing the land, though much exhausted. 
 
 There we stood, — out of all danger from the 
 violence of the tempest, — and saw the gradual 
 destruction of the gallant little vessel which had 
 
186 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 borne us along so well, through a storm hardly 
 to be surpassed in violence, and through perils 
 which men doubtless sometimes witness, but sel- 
 dom live to recount ; and I do not believe there 
 was a man amongst our number, twenty-three in 
 all, who (thoughtless though sailors be) did not 
 offer up a fervent prayer of thanksgiving to God, 
 who had so signally vouchsafed to stretch forth 
 his hand and save us. 
 
 Two or three of the men now went up the hill 
 to look at the surrounding country, but nothing 
 was seen of any human habitation ; they re- 
 turned and reported accordingly. About half- 
 past five the tide had fallen so that we went 
 down to the wreck to endeavour to save a small 
 quantity of provisions, and to get some blankets 
 and cloth clothing to shelter ourselves against 
 the inclemency of the weather. We succeeded 
 in procuring both, but not in such quantities as 
 we could have wished ; and as the vessel was 
 going to pieces, it was not safe to make a very 
 long stay on board. We got, besides a sail, or 
 part of one, a tarpaulin, and eight bottles of gin, 
 a small portion of which was instantly served out 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 187 
 
 to all hands, upon which, with a small piece of 
 raw beef or pork, we made our first meal after 
 nearly twenty-four hours’ fasting. 
 
 As many as could get them, put on cloth 
 under thin trowsers, and those who had flannel 
 waistcoats were fortunate. We then began to 
 make arrangements for passing the night. Having 
 found a fissure in the side of a precipice, open at 
 the top with a small space outside, we placed 
 stones so as to cover a small mountain stream 
 that ran through the centre of our comfortless 
 abode, and strapped the tarpaulin up across the 
 entrance, where it was exposed to the unabated 
 fury of the typhoon. Having taken off our 
 clothes and wrung them, and put them on again, 
 the Commodore, Captain Elliott, Lord A. Beau- 
 clerk, myself, the Commodore and Captain 
 Elliot’s servants, and a little Portuguese boy, sat 
 down in a circle, with our backs to the sides of 
 the cavern and the tarpaulin, and had a large 
 blanket thrown over all. As there was no room 
 for more inside, a wet sail was spread outside 
 over the rocks. Mr. Fowler and Lena (second 
 mate), and the men, rolled themselves up in 
 
188 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 blankets, and laid down exposed to the wind and 
 rain. The latter descended in torrents all night, 
 pouring down upon us in little cascades from all 
 parts of the rock above, making a channel 
 amongst the people on the sail ; in fact, it was 
 very like lying down to sleep in a running 
 stream. Of course, few were fortunate enough 
 to close their eyes in slumber, and the gradual 
 breaking up of the little cutter continually called 
 forth an exclamation from some of us, as crash 
 after crash was heard above the noise of the 
 wind and breakers. We who were within the 
 cleft remained in a sitting posture all night, for 
 there was no room to recline. 
 
 At length, morning of the 22nd dawned, and 
 we saw all that held together of the Louisa ; her 
 taffrail jammed between two rocks, and a few of 
 the deck planks adhering, but all the rest was 
 scattered along the coast in fragments. We 
 stripped, wrung our clothes, and put them on 
 again, and having served out a small quantity of 
 spirits, several exploring parties went out to en- 
 deavour to find some Chinese. 
 
 We were not very far from a sandy bay, on 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 189 
 
 which were cast up many articles of wreck ; 
 along this bay a party was sent, whilst others 
 went up the hills ; some descended to our own 
 wreck, and a few remained in or near the cavern. 
 We had not been down long before we discovered 
 under planks and timbers the bodies of three 
 Chinese frightfully lacerated by the rocks ; their 
 vessel must have been driven on shore during 
 the night. Suddenly, I heard myself hailed, and 
 looking up, saw two Chinese, each of them ap- 
 propriating a blanket. All hands were instantly 
 recalled, and we began to talk to them ; one of 
 them had a most benevolent countenance, and to 
 him was the conversation principally addressed. 
 This man gave Captain Elliot a paper, which was 
 folded and quite saturated with water, but after 
 some time we got two of the folds clear, and 
 were delighted to see Captain Elliot’s signature, 
 and some of the cutter’s men said they re- 
 cognised our friend as one of the boat people at 
 Macao. He was instantly offered 1000 dollars 
 if he would give us a fishing boat to take us 
 thither ; this he undertook to do very readily, 
 
190 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 and beckoned us to follow him, which we did, 
 having first shouldered the beef and pork and 
 gin, and put as many clothes on as we could 
 get. On the top of the hill we were joined hy 
 the party which went round the sandy bay ; they 
 said they had found the bodies of eleven Chinese, 
 and the wreck of a large junk, and one of them 
 had picked up the box containing the commo- 
 dore’s decorations, which we distributed amongst 
 ourselves, and put in our pockets. We were 
 very badly off for shoes ; I had only one, and 
 the consequence was, my feet were much cut ; 
 we walked along over two hills in single file, 
 and as we topped the third, saw an extensive 
 valley with a long sandy beach, on which the sea 
 w^as breaking heavily. A creek ran up on the 
 left side by a considerable village or hamlet, and 
 the place seemed full of people. Scarcely had 
 we appeared over the hill, when we were seen by 
 the Chinese ; the women and children ran away, 
 screaming Fanqui ! Fanqui ! and the men, armed 
 with bill-hooks, rushed up the path in hun- 
 dreds, railing at and menacing us. However, 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 191 
 
 our benevolent guide explained matters to them, 
 and about sixty passed us to go and plunder the 
 wreek. At length one of them stopped Captain 
 Elliot, and commenced rifling his pockets ; I was 
 walking behind Captain Elliot, and the same 
 fellow thrust his hand into my pockets, in which 
 was the star of the Hanoverian Guelphic order ; 
 I squeezed my arm to my side to prevent his 
 taking it, when he shook his bill-hook in my 
 face, and another fellow jumped upon a large 
 stone, and flourished his weapon over my head ; 
 still I held on, when the first man struck me a 
 severe blow on the arm with the back of the bill- 
 hook. Captain Elliot looked round just then, and 
 said it was no use resisting, and that I had better 
 give up everything to them, they being twenty to 
 one, and we wholly unarmed and in their power. 
 I accordingly resisted no longer, and repeated 
 Captain Elliot’s advice to those behind me. 
 Having taken the contents of our pockets, and 
 eased the bearers of the beef, pork, and gin, of 
 their loads, they returned and stripped us of 
 clothing, just allowing a regard to common de- 
 
192 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 cency, after which they molested us no further. 
 The only two amongst us who were struck were 
 the commodore (who was knocked down) and 
 myself. 
 
 On our arrival before a little shed, one of the 
 outermost houses of the village, our friend com- 
 menced preparing it for our reception — a pro- 
 ceeding we did not by any means admire, as we 
 had understood that a boat would at once take 
 us to Macao ; but he said the wind was too high, 
 which in truth it v;as, and we were therefore 
 compelled to enter and wait the result. Our 
 man, who was named Mingfong, made a fire, 
 and gave us a breakfast of rice and salt fish, 
 which we were too happy to get ; having satis- 
 fied our appetites, we endeavoured to dry our 
 clothes, and make ourselves as comfortable as 
 men in our situation could do. We presently 
 ascertained, with great satisfaction, that there 
 were no officers in the place, so that if we could 
 manage properly, there was every probability of 
 our escaping a trip to Pekin. Captain Elliot 
 increased the sum originally offered to 2000 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 193 
 
 dollars, if they would take us to Macao as soon 
 as the wind moderated, and after some difficulty 
 it was agreed to. 
 
 We had the satisfaction of seeing the people 
 passing and repassing with different articles of 
 our property in their possession, many of which 
 they brought to us to inquire the uses of. The 
 bodies of three Chinese had been discovered 
 almost on the spot where the Louisa was wrecked ; 
 and as they bore some frightful marks, caused by 
 dashing against the rocks, it was supposed we 
 had murdered them. This was a very awkward 
 affair; but we could only deny it strenuously, 
 with every expression of horror that such a crime 
 should be imputed to us, who had so provi- 
 dentially been saved from the same fate as these 
 poor men. However, they would not be per- 
 suaded to the contrary, or they did not under- 
 stand our explanation, until Lena, by gestures, 
 shewed them that in all probability the junk 
 people had lashed themselves to spars, and in 
 endeavouring to reach the land on them, had 
 been dashed against the rocks, which accounted 
 for their lacerated appearance, and the ropes 
 
 o 
 
194 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 found round their bodies. They went away ap- 
 parently satisfied, but occasionally two or three 
 would return and revive the matter, making de- 
 monstration of sharpening knives and cutting 
 throats. When they found the cutter’s arms, 
 they were also very angry, and stormed and railed 
 against us most violently. 
 
 All the women and children in the place 
 crowded round to look at us (particularly when 
 eating), and many were the inquiries made as to 
 the sex of old Joe, the commodore’s black Gen- 
 too servant, who wearing earrings, and having 
 his hair turned back and twisted in a knot be- 
 hind, did bear some resemblance to a female ; 
 but on closer inspection, his thick beard, whis- 
 kers, and mustachios, might have satisfied the 
 most sceptical amongst them. They had, how- 
 ever, taken away his earrings, and one savage 
 attempted to cut off his ear. 
 
 We had another mess of rice towards evening, 
 and that night slept around the fire, though not 
 very soundly, for we were apprehensive the 
 Chinese had some design upon us, but I believe 
 no harm was intended. People were walking 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 195 
 
 about all night, which kept us on the qui vive. 
 The wind having moderated very considerably, 
 Captain Elliot proposed to them to go that night ; 
 but they were afraid of the Ladrones, and though 
 tempted by an additional 1000 dollars, they re- 
 fused ; their wives appeared to objeet to the pro- 
 ceeding, or I think they would have been in- 
 duced to go. During the night. Captain Elliot 
 made a final arrangement, by which we were to 
 start at daylight on the morning of the 23rd, in 
 two boats ; in each boat there were to be but 
 two people, the remainder to be sent for on our 
 arrival at Macao, for which service they were to 
 receive 3000 dollars, and 100 dollars for each of 
 the boats. 
 
 At daylight on the 23rd we were prepared to 
 start, but the Chinese tantalized us by making 
 thole-pins, mending sails, &c. ; at last, we had 
 the satisfaction of seeing two boats come down 
 the creek, and anchor abreast of our dwelling. 
 The people to whom the boats belonged now re- 
 fused to let them go unless 150 dollars were 
 given for each, and this after some demur was 
 agreed to, as every moment’s delay increased the 
 
 o 2 
 
196 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 probability of our falling into the hands of the 
 officers ; but no sooner had the blackguards 
 been promised the 150 dollars than they in- 
 creased their demand to 200. Here our friend 
 Mingfong took our part and abused his country- 
 men for their rapacity, and declared we should 
 not be so imposed upon : he would sooner take 
 but one boat. All was at length settled. We 
 had chowchow (amongst which they gave us part 
 of our own pork), and, having bid good bye to 
 those who were to remain behind, at about eight 
 A.M. the Commodore and Captain Elliot got 
 into one boat, and myself and Captain Elliot’s 
 servant (who was sick) went in the other ; they 
 made us lay on our backs at the bottom of the 
 boat, and covered us with mats. We got through 
 the surf and out to sea without any mishap, as 
 the weather was fine ; further than that I knew 
 nothing until about two p.m., when they un- 
 covered us and gave us some rice. We had just 
 finished our light repast, when the man sitting 
 above hit me a pretty hard blow on the head, 
 and made signs for me to lie down again ; this I 
 did, and was covered with the mat ; a few 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 197 
 
 minutes after, I heard a rush, as if some large 
 boat were passing us, which was the case. They 
 said nothing to us, but the other boat was hailed, 
 and asked what was the news, and whether 
 many vessels had been wrecked on their part of 
 the coast ; to which suitable replies were given, 
 and we passed on. This was a mandarin boat ! 
 They little thought what a prize was within their 
 grasp — the two plenipotentiaries. Doubtless, 
 we were throughout these three days of adven- 
 ture and peril in the special keeping of Provi- 
 dence. In about two hours, I again ventured to 
 look up, and to my great joy discovered two 
 ships anchored at a considerable distance. I 
 could not recognise the land, and was quite 
 mystified as to our situation ; at last, I deter- 
 mined that it must be the Typa, and I was right : 
 we passed to the left of Monkey island, and 
 Macao opened to our view ; glad, indeed, were 
 we, and thankful for our deliverance. We saw 
 a vessel not far behind working up for Macao, 
 which Captain Elliot made out to he a lorcha, 
 and we could no longer remain under cover, but 
 throwing otf the mats, stood upon the thwarts 
 
198 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 and waved our hats to attract their attention, at 
 the same time telling the Chinese to give way, 
 which they did most lustily. My boat was a 
 faster one than the other, and consequently got 
 alongside first, when I met with an unexpected 
 reception ; all the Portuguese and Lascars were 
 drawn up with swords, muskets, and pistols, so 
 that I had nearly been shot at the moment of 
 deliverance. However, Captain Elliot’s servant 
 explained who were in the other boat, and we 
 went alongside instantly. They had mistaken us 
 for Ladrones, hence the muskets, swords, and 
 pistols. The Commodore and Captain Elliot 
 were on board within a few minutes after us, and 
 we were regaled with soft tack and pine-apple 
 by the people on board, who seemed overjoyed 
 at seeing us. 
 
 We soon came to in the Inner Harbour, and 
 were all landed safely at the Bar fort. The com- 
 modore was in a blue worsted sailor’s frock, a 
 light pair of trowsers of four days wear, shoes, 
 and a low crowned hat ; Captain Elliot, in a 
 Manila hat, a jacket, no shirt, a pair of striped 
 trowsers and shoes ; I had shirt and trowsers, 
 
WRECK OF THE LOUISA. 
 
 199 
 
 no hat, and a pair of red slippers, borrowed of a 
 Parsee on board the lorcha. The commandant 
 of the fort was most amiable, and particularly 
 anxious to turn out the guard^ibr the commo- 
 dore, who certainly did not look in a fit mood to 
 appreciate such a mark of respect, his appear- 
 ance bearing a close resemblance to a highly re- 
 spectable quarter-master who had been dissi- 
 pating ; consequently, the turning out of the 
 guard was strongly deprecated, and the idea 
 abandoned by the gallant Portuguese. Steps were 
 instantly taken to procure the liberation of those 
 still left in the hands of the Chinese. A boat 
 was dispatched to the island, accompanied by 
 Mr. Thom, and all the crew brought to Macao 
 on the 25th instant. 
 
 I hardly need add, that on our arrival at our 
 quarters we instantly cleaned ourselves, and 
 fully enjoyed the comforts of a good meal and 
 an uninterrupted night’s rest, after what had 
 been our lot to undergo, and which, with God’s 
 help, we had so fortunately escaped — peril by 
 water, peril by land, and peril of a captivity in 
 the hands of the Chinese. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Arrival of Sir H. Pottinger and Sir W. Parker — Departure 
 of Captain Elliot and Sir Gordon Bremer — Second 
 expedition to the north — Fall of Amoy. 
 
 The steamers sent in search of the little Louisa 
 cutter, had returned without seeing any trace of 
 her ; she and all on board were supposed to 
 have perished in the typhoon, until, on the re- 
 turn of the Commodore and Captain Elliot to 
 Macao, their miraculous escape became known. 
 
 The May overland mail had arrived during 
 their absence, bringing intelligence of the ap- 
 pointment of a new admiral and plenipotentiary ; 
 and in a few days afterwards, the steamer Sesos- 
 tris joined the fleet, having on board Sir Henry 
 Pottinger, sole plenipotentiary, and Sir William 
 Parker, naval commander - in - chief. Immedi- 
 
DEPARTURE OF CAPTAIN ELLIOT. 201 
 
 ately thereafter, preparations commenced for 
 prosecuting the expedition northward before the 
 change of monsoon, and by the 21st of August 
 the fleet were again under weigh, and steering 
 for Amoy in the following order : — 
 
 Bentinck Surveying Ship 
 
 Queen, Steamer Wellesley, 74 Sesostris, Str. 
 
 Phlegethon, Str. Blenheim, 74 Nemesi.s, Str. 
 
 Columbine, 16 Marion (Staff-ship) Modeste, 16 
 
 TO 
 
 Druid, 44 S" 
 Wing-ship § 
 H 
 
 TO 
 
 S-t 
 
 o 
 
 cu 
 
 TO 
 
 a 
 
 Sm 
 
 H 
 
 CO 
 
 TO 
 
 S’ Blonde, 44 
 g Wing-ship 
 H 
 00 
 
 Pylades, 18 
 
 Cruiser, 18 Algerine, 10. 
 
 About the same date. Captain Elliot and the 
 Commodore took their departure for England. 
 The health of the latter had been much broken 
 by his recent disaster, and it was that alone 
 obliged him to leave his post when the fleet was 
 proceeding on active service. Captain Elliot 
 certainly had a few friends who regretted his de- 
 parture, but the majority of the foreign residents 
 in China were delighted to get rid of him. In 
 private life he was much esteemed, and even in 
 public, except when employed diplomatically, he 
 
202 
 
 AMOY 
 
 evinced talent of no ordinary description ; all 
 gave him credit for zeal and activity, but he 
 wanted the decision and dignity of the diplomatist. 
 
 The fleet rendezvoused off the harbour of 
 Amoy on the 25th. In passing by a chain of 
 islands which form the mouth of the anchorage, a 
 few shot were fired by the Chinese from fortified 
 positions on those islands. On the following 
 day the plenipotentiary. Sir Hugh Gough, and 
 Sir W. Parker, proceeded to reconnoitre the de- 
 fences in the Phlegethon. These appeared to be 
 of vast extent and great strength : every spot 
 from whence guns could bear upon the harbour 
 was occupied and strongly armed. From the 
 point of entrance into the inner harbour, the 
 great sea line of defence extended in one con- 
 tinued battery of granite upwards of a mile. This 
 battery was faced with turf and mud several feet 
 in thickness, so that at a distance no appearance 
 of a fortification could be traced. The embra- 
 sures were roofed, and the slabs thickly covered 
 with turf, so as to protect the men while work- 
 ing their guns. This work mounted about 100 
 guns, and it terminated in a high wall, which 
 
ITS SURRENDER DEMANDED. 
 
 203 
 
 was connected with a range of rocky heights 
 which run parallel to the beach. The entrance 
 into the harbour is by a channel 600 yards across, 
 between the island of Koolangsoo and Amoy. 
 On each side of this passage there were also 
 strong fortifications. As the Wellesley (flag 
 ship) entered the Inner Harbour, a boat ap- 
 proached her from shore, with a white flag — an 
 officer of low rank was the bearer of a chop from 
 the authorities in the city, demanding to know 
 what our ships wanted — directing us “to make 
 sail for the outer waters ere the celestial wrath 
 should be kindled against us, and the guns from 
 the batteries annihilate us.” He was answered 
 by a summons, requiring the surrender of the 
 town and island of Amoy to her Majesty’s forces. 
 
 About one o’clock a simultaneous attack was 
 made upon these prominent defences. The line- 
 of-battle ships and large steamers attacking the 
 great sea batteries, the two frigates the island of 
 Koolangsoo, while the smaller vessels engaged 
 the several flanking works. 
 
 The capture of Amoy was chiefly a naval ope- 
 ration ; and for four hours did the ships pepper 
 
204 
 
 AMOY CANNONADED, 
 
 at those enormous batteries without a moment’s 
 cessation. The cannonade was certainly a splen- 
 did sight. The stream of fire and smoke from 
 the sides of the liners was terrific. It never for 
 a moment appeared to slacken. The Wellesley 
 and Blenheim alone each fired upwards of 12,000 
 rounds, to say nothing of the frigates, steamers, 
 and small craft ; yet the works were as perfect 
 when they left off as when they began, the 
 utmost penetration of the shot being sixteen 
 inches. From twenty to thirty people were all 
 that were killed by this enormous expenditure of 
 powder and shot. 
 
 It was late before the first division of the 
 troops landed. These immediately escaladed the 
 wall which flanked the main line of batteries, 
 covered by the Queen and Phlegethon steamers. 
 The flank companies of the 18th were the first to 
 get over the wall, driving the enemy before 
 them. They opened a gate through which the 
 rest of our men entered, and advancing along 
 the battery, quickly cleared it, killing more men 
 in ten minutes than the ships of war did the 
 whole day. The enemy fled on all sides so soon 
 
AND CAPTURED. 
 
 205 
 
 as the troops landed. An officer of rank cut his 
 throat in the long battery, just as our men were 
 coming up to him ; another walked into the 
 sea, and drowned himself, in the coolest man- 
 ner possible. The island of Koalangsoo was 
 about the same time taken possession of by the 
 troops with little opposition. During the whole 
 day, the heights above the city for miles round 
 were densely crowded with people who had pro- 
 ceeded thither for safety. 
 
 On the following day, the city was entered. 
 The inhabitants appeared to have early deserted 
 the place, leaving it in possession of the mob, 
 who had already plundered to a great extent. 
 Much treasure had been carried away — the boxes 
 which contained it were laying in every direc- 
 tion. Even after our troops were in possession 
 of the city, many stratagems were resorted to, to 
 conceal and carry off valuable goods and trea- 
 sure, such as placing it in hollow blocks of wood, 
 coffers, &c. ; but these were soon detected, and 
 put a stop to. 
 
 Amoy is a principal third class city of China ; 
 it has an excellent harbour, and from its central 
 
206 
 
 NATIVE ROBBERS. 
 
 situation is well adapted for commerce. It is a 
 great emporium of trade, and has constant com- 
 munication not only with the neighbouring 
 states, but also with Singapore and other settle- 
 ments in the straits. The city is about eight 
 miles in circumference ; it is surrounded in part 
 by a wall, and nearly its whole length by the 
 inner harbour. Its population is fluctuating, from 
 the major portion being so frequently absent on 
 mercantile pursuits. It is at all times much in- 
 fested by native robbers, who come in boats, and 
 attack the inhabitants at night. These daring 
 marauders paid repeated visits to the city, even 
 while it was in possession of our troops, and 
 gutted the temples and public establishments of 
 much valuable property. The citadel is about a 
 mile in circumference. It entirely commands 
 the suburbs and inner town, and is surrounded 
 by a wall which is occasionally turretted, and 
 varies in height from twenty to thirty-six feet. In 
 this citadel were several extensive granaries well 
 filled, arsenals containing enormous quantities of 
 gingalls, wall-pieces, matchlocks, military cloth- 
 ing, shields, bows and arrows, spears, and swords 
 
FOUNDLINGS. 
 
 207 
 
 of all descriptions, besides extensive magazines of 
 powder, and material for constructing it. There 
 was also a foundry, with moulds for casting guns. 
 But few war-junks were seen, the Chinese admi- 
 ral having shortly before our visit proceeded on 
 a cruise with the fleet. Very large quantities of 
 timber and naval stores were found, and there 
 were several war-junks on the stocks — one two- 
 decker, moulded after the fashion of ours, and 
 carrying thirty guns, was ready for sea. 
 
 Among the anomalies to be met with at Amoy, 
 is a foundling-house. The natives are said to be 
 much given to the horrible crime of killing their 
 female offspring, to prevent the incumbrance of 
 their education, and the difficulty of providing a 
 future husband for them. And, indeed, there 
 appears to be some truth in the accusation, for 
 not far from this foundling-house, in a tank 
 covered with duckweed, a number of new-born 
 babes were found sewed up in mats ; these, ap- 
 parently, had been drowned. 
 
 Several of the merchants never left their shops : 
 these shewed far greater acquaintance with Euro- 
 pean customs and manners than is ever to be 
 
208 INTELLIGENCE OF NATIVE MERCHANTS. 
 
 found at Canton. They could enumerate the 
 productions and describe the government of 
 many places in the Indian archipelago. But the 
 name of Singapore was familiar to all, and pro- 
 duced many remarks in favour of the British 
 nation. There, they said, property is always 
 safe, no duty is paid, and there are no mandarins 
 to squeeze. 
 
 The country in the immediate vicinity of Amoy 
 is miserably barren — hence the means of sub- 
 sistence are scanty and expensive. A few miles 
 distant, however, the soil is rich, and alfords 
 abundant supplies. Green peas, potatoes, and 
 other European vegetables were brought to 
 market in great abundance when the general 
 panic had ceased. 
 
 The batteries of Amoy having, on two former 
 occasions, driven off the barbarian ships, they 
 were, by the Chinese, considered impregnable. 
 The capture of them, therefore, must have been 
 a sad blow to their pride. Their magazines were 
 blown up, their arsenals and their contents ut- 
 terly destroyed, their best war-junks and dock- 
 yards were burnt, upwards of 500 guns of various 
 
DEPARTURE OF THE FLEET. 
 
 209 
 
 calibre rendered unserviceable, and their fortifi- 
 cations experienced much the same fate as did 
 those of the Bocca Tigris, after which the fleet 
 and force, on the 5th of September, took their 
 departure, leaving a garrison of 550 men on 
 the island of Koolangsoo, which completely com- 
 mands the entrance into the harbour. H. M.’s 
 ships, Druid, Pylades, and Algerine, were also 
 left here to afford additional protection to the 
 garrison and Island. 
 
 / 
 
 p 
 
CHAPTER XTX. 
 
 Recapture of Chusan, and battle of Chinhae. 
 
 In consequence of the north-east monsoon having 
 set in with considerable violence, and the thick 
 hazy weather, the ships were soon dispersed, and 
 the passage towards Chusan became tedious and 
 unpleasant. It was only by considerable per- 
 severance, and taking advantage of the tides in 
 shore, that the fleet were enabled to reach the 
 Chusan group of islands. On the 25th of Sep- 
 tember they rendezvoused at “ Just-in-the-way,” 
 a small island at the mouth of the Ningpo pas- 
 sage. In their progress up the coast, the Ne- 
 mesis steamer, Captain Hall, running short of 
 fuel, put into the harbour of Sheipo to procure 
 a supply ; she was fired at from a couple of bat- 
 
AFFAIR AT SHEIPO. 
 
 211 
 
 teries at the entrance of the harbour, both of 
 which she attacked and carried, destroying their 
 guns, and setting fire to their barracks. The 
 Phlegethon steamer. Captain McCleverty, also ex- 
 ercised signal vengeance upon the village at which 
 Captain Head was seized and murdered last year, 
 and which, on a more recent occasion had de- 
 coyed on shore the crew of a boat belonging to 
 the British ship “ Lyra,” under the pretext of 
 selling them stock, and basely murdered the 
 chief officer and two seamen. 
 
 It had originally been intended to take posses- 
 sion of Chinhae first, and afterwards proceed to 
 Chusan ; but the weather was now too boisterous 
 to permit of this being accomplished. It was 
 therefore determined immediately to re-occupy 
 the island of Chusan. With this view, on the 
 26th, a reconnoissance was made in the two iron 
 steamers, when it was found that the defences 
 had been increased to an almost inconceivable 
 extent since the British forces were withdrawn 
 in February last. The fortifications had been 
 built on the same principles and in the same 
 
 p 2 
 
212 
 
 FORTIFICATIONS OF CHUSAN. 
 
 manner as those of Amoy, that being now taken 
 as the best pattern. The enemy were at their 
 post, for they kept up a dropping fire on the 
 steamers as they occasionally neared the beach. 
 There was now a continual line of strong battery 
 on the sea face, extending from outside Guards’ 
 Island, to almost half-a-mile beyond Joss-house, 
 or Pagoda Hill, which has also been much 
 strengthened. This battery was chiefly con- 
 structed of mud, and had 267 embrasures ; 
 though the majority were not yet supplied with 
 guns. Independent of this formidable breast- 
 work, others were placed on the several heights 
 and valleys which commanded an approach to 
 the harbour from the sea ; many were in course 
 of building, and some were finished, but had not 
 yet their guns mounted. It was proposed to dis- 
 embark the troops near Guard’s Island, but here 
 a stone battery with eight embrasures had been 
 constructed, though as yet not armed ; to pre- 
 vent this being effected, the Nemesis, Modeste, 
 and Columbine, proceeded to guard the posi- 
 tion, and, at the same time to keep up a fire 
 
PAGODA HILL. 
 
 213 
 
 upon a strongly defended entrenched camp, 
 situated about 1200 yards above it on a steep 
 bill. 
 
 Pagoda Hill, which we had begun last year to 
 fortify, had now been made a very strong posi- 
 tion by the Chinese, who followed out our plan 
 in constructing the battery. A breastwork was 
 thrown up by us on Trunball Island, which is 
 opposite to, and removed about 1000 yards from, 
 this hill. This service was, with much labour, 
 accomplished by Lieut. Birdwood, Madras En- 
 gineers, without accident, under a heavy tire 
 from the enemy’s batteries. One 68, and two 
 24 pounder howitzers were placed here, and 
 threw shell with admirable etfect into the Joss- 
 hill battery. The extraordinary currents, and 
 the continuance of north-east gales with inces- 
 sant rain, rendered it impracticable to move 
 the whole of the ships to Chusan till the 30th. 
 
 On the morning of the 1st of October, the 
 attack commenced. The men-of-war proceeded 
 to the several positions allotted them, and the 
 landing took place in two columns at the point 
 above mentioned. The first column, which Sir 
 
214 
 
 RECAPTURE OF CHUSAN. 
 
 Hugh Gough accompanied, was 1500 strong, 
 and commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Craigie, 
 H. M.’s 55th regiment. The second column, 
 1050 strong, was under Lieut.-Colonel Morris, 
 H. M.’s 49th regiment. 
 
 The force of the tides caused some delay in 
 getting the troops on shore, and heavy fire was 
 kept upon the boats from all points. H. M.’s 
 55th was the first to land. The enemy for some 
 time kept under cover, and their guns had been 
 silenced by the fire from the ships. But imme- 
 diately our men landed, they again made their 
 appearance on the brow of the hill ; they crowded 
 every height, and opened a galling fire of ginjalls 
 and matchlocks upon the 55th, who were drawn 
 out on the beach. The shot came upon them so 
 thick, that it was judged prudent at once to ad- 
 vance up the hill, and drive the enemy off. The 
 sight now became very animating, Major Fawcett 
 leading his men up a steep and rugged ascent, 
 and the enemy, with an infinitely superior force, 
 drawn out in good order, and pouring down a 
 heavy and well-sustained fire upon them. As 
 our men approached, the Chinese came down to 
 
GALLANTRY OF THE CHINESE. 
 
 215 
 
 meet them in the most determined way. The 
 gallantry of some individuals was most con- 
 spicuous — one man in particular attracted uni- 
 versal attention ; standing on the peak of the 
 hill while the shot from the Phlegethon and 
 Nemesis plunged every moment within a few 
 feet of him, he waved a flag, and the nearer the 
 shot came, the more he waved ; at last a 32 
 pounder shot finished his career. Another war- 
 rior quickly took his place, and was in like man- 
 ner disposed of. 
 
 By this time, the 55th were close on the 
 Chinese ; the latter waited till they were within 
 spears’ length, and not much liking the steady 
 appearance of a prepare to charge bayonets, 
 wheeled to the right about and retreated. This 
 gallant corps had one otficer and twenty men 
 put hors de combat ere they reached the top of 
 the hill. 
 
 By this movement we obtained command of a 
 bridge which flanked the whole line of sea de- 
 fence, and completely turned the right of the 
 enemy’s position. The artillery brought their 
 light guns to enfilade the long line of sea battery 
 
216 
 
 RECAPTURE OF CHUSAN. 
 
 and on the 18th being landed, they pushed 
 on at once to the attack, under Lieut. -Colonel 
 Adams. Every foot of this long line was con- 
 tested with more than ordinary spirit by a very 
 large force, led apparently by one of the princi- 
 pal mandarins. Many of the enemy who were 
 retiring along a causeway, seeing our men enter 
 the battery, quickly returned and joined the main 
 body. For some time it was a fair stand up 
 fight, and the hardest hitters, holding out longest, 
 had it. This, in a short time, proved to be the 
 Royal Irish. The enemy took to their heels, 
 but re-assembled again close to some brass guns. 
 In their haste, however, they fired too high to do 
 much injury. Some of the officers in advance 
 saved their lives by making good use of their 
 pistols ; and the men advancing, shot or bay- 
 oneted every one of the enemy. It was here that 
 General Keo, the chief naval and military com- 
 mander, was killed, and his officers and men, 
 sticking to him to the last, also fell with him. 
 The 18th now pushed on and occupied Pagoda 
 hill, which the well-directed fire from Trunball 
 island had compelled the enemy to evacuate. 
 
TINGHAE. 
 
 217 
 
 During these operations, the 55th regiment, 
 whieh had now been joined by the Madras Artil- 
 lery, Rifles, and Sappers (the latter with esca- 
 lading ladders), moved on and occupied the 
 heights overlooking the city to the north-west. 
 The light field-guns which, with infinite labour, 
 had been brought to the summit of the heights, 
 opened their fire on the walls and town. The 
 55th proceeded to escalade, while the Rifles 
 passed rapidly down a deep wooded ravine, and 
 cut off the enemy’s retreat, which was already 
 seen to have commenced at the north and east 
 gates. Captain Pears, of the Engineers, was the 
 first in the city, and the colours of the 55th 
 simultaneously waved on the walls of Tinghae, 
 with those of the Royal Irish on the Joss-house 
 hill, above the suburbs. 
 
 The right column, unfortunately, in conse- 
 quence of the strong currents and scarcity of 
 boats, was prevented from landing in time to 
 take part in the action. 
 
 The casualties on our side amounted to thirty, 
 including one officer killed ; that of the enemy 
 was calculated to be about 1500, including many 
 
218 
 
 OCCUPATION OF TINGHAE. 
 
 officers of rank. There were thirty-six brass 
 guns captured ; these were quite new, and ad- 
 mirably constructed, and some of the gun car- 
 riages far superior to those generally in use 
 among the Chinese ; two large twenty-four 
 pounders, brass, were on traversing carriages, 
 similar to those in use in our steamers. 
 
 The suburbs of the city, since our evacuation 
 of it, had been occupied entirely as a military 
 post, the inhabitants evidently not being allowed 
 to enter. The names on the streets marked by 
 us — nay, even those written on the doors in 
 chalk, were just as we left them. The beach, 
 however, was so altered by the extensive works 
 thrown up, that no one could possibly again 
 recognise it. 
 
 As soon as Tinghae was fully occupied, various 
 parties of troops scoured the country, in order to 
 capture or drive off any body of the enemy still 
 lurking on the island. A militar)^ government 
 was formed, and 400 men left as a garrison ; and 
 Sir Henry Pottinger, on the day after the en- 
 gagement, issued a circular, in which he de- 
 clared, “ That under no circumstances will Ting- 
 
THE CITY OF CHINHAE. 
 
 219 
 
 hae and its dependencies be restored to the 
 Chinese government, until the whole of the de- 
 mands of England are not only complied with, 
 but carried into full effect.” 
 
 On the 7th of October, the wind having veered 
 to the desired point, no time was lost in embark- 
 ing the troops intended for the attack upon 
 Chinhae. The plenipotentiary, in company with 
 the naval and military commanders-in-chief, pro- 
 ceeded on the following day in the Nemesis and 
 Phlegethon steamers to reconnoitre the enemy’s 
 positions, where every preparation for resistance 
 appeared to have been made. 
 
 The city of Chinhae is situated on the left 
 bank of the Tahae or Ningpoo river. It is about 
 three miles in circumference, and is surrounded 
 by a wall twenty-two feet high. At its south- 
 eastern extremity is a very commanding rocky 
 height, which forms the entrance of the river ; 
 on the summit of this rocky eminence is the 
 joss-house, or citadel. It is about 250 feet high, 
 and is encircled by a strong wall, which is loop- 
 holed and connected by turrets, and has three 
 batteries mounting twenty-one guns at its east 
 
220 
 
 FORTIFICATIONS OF CHINHAE. 
 
 end, outside the wall, to defend the entrance of 
 the river. The north and south approaches to 
 this citadel are exceedingly steep, indeed, almost 
 inaccessible. A causeway connects it with the 
 city by a barrier gate at the bottom of a hill ; 
 on the isthmus between the two, and on the side 
 facing the river, are several batteries which flank 
 its entrance. By accounts received, the citadel 
 was said to be occupied by 400, and the city by 
 3000 brave Tartar troops. 
 
 On the right or south bank of the river the 
 enemy’s force was posted in great strength. 
 Field redoubts crowned the summits, and every 
 defensible position bristled with ginjalls. Oppo- 
 site the principal landing-place on this side of 
 the river, were four batteries, mounting thirty- 
 one guns, which flanked the entrance. The river 
 had been so effectually staked by rows of piles 
 driven into the ground, that with difficulty only 
 could a landing be effected. On this side of the 
 river a range of heights and steep hills over- 
 looked the city and joss-house. All these were 
 fortified, and presented a military position of 
 great strength, consisting of a continued chain 
 
DISPOSITIONS FOR ATTACK. 
 
 221 
 
 of entrenched camps on all the prominent points 
 dithcult of approach. A deep and wide canal 
 also separated these strong posts of the enemy 
 from the sea and landing-place. But at a short 
 distance from the mouth of this canal it was as- 
 certained that there were two bridges. 
 
 On the evening of the 9th, the whole of the 
 squadron was anchored off Chinhae ; and at an 
 early hour the following morning, the Wellesley, 
 Blenheim, Blonde, and Modeste, took up their 
 positions, so as to cannonade the citadel and 
 eastern part of the city walls, — the steamers 
 Sesostris and Queen so as to shell the citadel in 
 flank, and enfilade any batteries their guns could 
 bear upon. The flat-bottomed steamers at the 
 same time receiving on board the troops, pro- 
 ceeded to land them on the right bank of the 
 river. 
 
 Sir Hugh Gough had divided his forces into a 
 left, centre, and right column. The two former 
 he himself accompanied ; the latter was placed 
 under Captain Sir Thomas Herbert, R.N., to be 
 made available on the left bank so soon as the 
 concentrated fire from the shipping had begun to 
 
222 FLAT-BOTTOMED IRON STEAMERS. 
 
 aifect the garrison of the citadel and city, or a 
 practicable breach had been made in the walls. 
 The landing of the troops on the right bank was 
 opposed by a body of the enemy about 300 
 strong ; but these soon fell back before a few 
 volleys of grape and shrapnel from the steamers. 
 The very great advantage of the iron steamers 
 was on no occasion so clearly exemplified as on 
 this ; there being a scarcity of boats, and dis- 
 patch being a great desideratum^ the steamers at 
 once run their bows on the mud bank, and then 
 permitted the men to wade on shore in water 
 barely knee deep. After the troops had been 
 landed, the two small steamers joined the rest of 
 the squadron for the purpose of throwing shell 
 into the citadel. 
 
 The left column was 1070 strong, and con- 
 sisted of detachments of H.M’s. 18th and 55th 
 regiments, Madras Artillery, Sappers and Rifle 
 Company, four light howitzers, and two five- 
 and-a-half-inch mortars. It was commanded by 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Craigie. The centre column 
 consisted of H.M.’s 49th regiment, and detach- 
 ments of Royal and Madras Artillery and Sap- 
 
LANDING OF THE TROOPS. 
 
 223 
 
 pers, amounting altogether to 460 men, with two 
 twelve-pounder howitzers, and two six-pounder 
 field guns, — all under the command of Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Morris. This column was landed about 
 a mile to the right of the left column, on the 
 opposite bank of the canal, and immediately in 
 front of the enemy’s position, and separated from 
 it by a long low fiat of ground. The left column 
 was completely concealed from view of the 
 enemy by a succession of steep hills. The force 
 of the enemy in this position was supposed to be 
 not less than 10,000, who, on seeing our small 
 centre column only, turned out to give battle. 
 About the same time that the left column reached 
 the bridges across the canal, removed only a 
 short distance from the enemy’s strongest posi- 
 tion, the right had also approached to within 
 gun-shot range. The bridges were built up with 
 masonry so as merely to permit one man to pass 
 at a time. The enemy was drawn out in good 
 order, and seemed determined on giving us a 
 warm reception. They cheered, and waved us to 
 approach, keeping up a constant though not a 
 very effectual fire. The arrangements on the 
 
224 CAPTURE OF CHINHAE. 
 
 part of the general had been so admirably con- 
 certed, that the advance was hardly sounded 
 when both columns poured in their volleys of 
 musketry simultaneously, and with such admi- 
 rable precision, as at once to check and paralyze 
 the assailed. They were so hemmed in that they 
 knew not which way to turn, and so thunder- 
 struck with the suddenness of attack, that they 
 lost all nerve even to reload their guns. Our 
 rockets and musketry continued for some time 
 to mow them down by hundreds. Nothing could 
 withstand the gallant and rapid advance of our 
 small force. Field-work after field-work was 
 cleared, and in very short time the British colours 
 were displayed on the principal fortress. 
 
 Further to the left, the 18th were still engaged 
 with a large body of the enemy who would not 
 yield themselves. By order of Sir Hugh Gough, 
 two flags were displayed to them, on which were 
 inscribed in Chinese, “ Yield and be saved,” 
 “ Resist and perish.” A few took the first 
 friendly advice, but the majority preferred either 
 seeking safety in flight or being shot down. 
 Many were drowned in attempting to swim across 
 
BOMBARDMENT OF CPIINHAE. 
 
 225 
 
 the river, among these was Yu-keen, the imperial 
 envoy ; many officers committed suicide ; one 
 man, a Tartar general of high rank, he who 
 boasted when the British were formerly at Chusan, 
 that if permitted, “ he would catch all the bar- 
 barians in a net, give their flesh to the wild 
 beasts, and prepare their skins for the celestial 
 troops to sleep upon,” was caught in the act of 
 cutting his throat, hut a wound in the arm pre- 
 vented his accomplishing his purpose with the 
 usual expertness of the Chinese. The operations 
 on this bank of the river had all terminated by 
 eleven o’clock ; upwards of 500 prisoners had 
 been taken ; these suffered only the loss of their 
 tails, and were set at liberty. 
 
 On the left bank, the bombardment still con- 
 tinued ; about noon, the walls of the citadel came 
 crumbling down the rock on all sides. The city 
 defences were also reduced to almost a ruinous 
 state. The enemy, too, were evidently abandon- 
 ing their guns, for their fire began to slacken. 
 The right column, 700 strong, now landed ; the 
 seamen immediately dashed up the precipitous 
 
 Q 
 
226 
 
 FALL OF CHINHAE. 
 
 rock, and planted the union jack on the citadel 
 walls. From thence they proceeded to the city, 
 where our troops on the right bank had turned 
 some of the enemy’s guns, and in a short time 
 cleared the ramparts. Several mines had been 
 sprung in the course of the day, doing serious 
 damage to some of our men. Thus, in a few hours, 
 and with a mere handful of men, fell the strong- 
 hold of Chinhae, the chief military depot, the great 
 arsenal of this district, and the key to the large 
 and opulent city of Ningpo, at a loss of life to 
 the Chinese of about 2000, while our casualties 
 in killed and wounded amounted only to nineteen. 
 There were sixty-seven brass guns captured, be- 
 sides numberless iron ones. The former were 
 of very superior manufacture, and some worked 
 on a pivot with the greatest ease. 
 
 The city of Chinhae, being entirely a military 
 post, did not present many attractions. The 
 joss-house w^as a mere apology for a temple. 
 Here their hideous idols, shattered and broken 
 by the shot, lay indiscriminately on the ground, 
 with the mangled corpses of those who wor- 
 
DISASTERS OF WAR. 
 
 227 
 
 shipped them. In one house in the city a poor 
 woman was found with her leg shot off, and in 
 another, four little children were lying dead, the 
 effects of a shell that had burst over them ; un- 
 fortunately, the disasters of war do not fall upon 
 the guilty or contending parties alone ! 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 British troops enter Ningpo — Loss of the steamer MadagaS' 
 car, and ships Nerbudda and Viscount Melbourne. 
 
 The batteries and several forts at the mouth of 
 the Ningpo river being in our possession, it was 
 determined to push into the city of Ningpo, the 
 second in importance of the province of Che- 
 keang, and removed from Chinhae fifteen miles. 
 With this view, the admiral proceeded in the 
 Nemesis to ascertain the depth of water, and 
 whether the river was free from obstructions. 
 He met with no impediment in his progress, and 
 actually reached the very walls of the city with- 
 out any attempt at opposition. 
 
 On the morning of the 13th of October, a 
 garrison of about 500 men having been left at 
 
CAPTURE OF NINGPO. 
 
 229 
 
 Chinhae, the remnant of the force was placed 
 in steamers, and proceeded up the river. No 
 enemy appeared, and it was evident that no 
 treachery was intended. The peaceable inhabi- 
 tants thronged the banks of the river and a 
 floating bridge of boats that connected the city 
 on the left bank with the suburbs on the right. 
 The troops landed, and advanced to the gates, 
 which were found barricaded ; the walls were 
 soon escaladed and the gates opened from within, 
 the Chinese assisting in removing the obstruc- 
 tions placed against them ; all around was still 
 and quiet, there was no appearance of resistance 
 or show of force. The enemy, placing the utmost 
 confidence in the defences of Chinhae, which, in 
 their opinion, neither celestial nor terrestrial 
 power could destroy, had taken no precautions 
 for the protection of this rich and populous city. 
 It was ascertained that the Tartar troops had 
 positively refused again to face ours, in conse- 
 quence of which the mandarins had all fled from 
 the city about a couple of hours before the arrival 
 of the squadron off its walls. Our little force of 
 soldiers, sailors, and marines, not amounting, in 
 
230 
 
 NINGPO. 
 
 all, to 1000 men, marched quietly into the city, 
 the band of the Royal Irish plajdng “ God save 
 the Queen.” A. feu de joie and three hearty cheers 
 sounded from the ramparts ; this was returned 
 from the shipping moored in the river, not 100 
 yards from the walls, upon which the troops pro- 
 ceeded to the quarters assigned to them. 
 
 Ningpo is a beautiful city. It is nearly five 
 miles in circumference and surrounded by a high 
 wall, — fully two-thirds the size of Canton, and 
 equally densely populated. The number of its 
 inhabitants is supposed to be not less than 
 600,000. They did not appear at all to be 
 alarmed at our approach — the majority satisfying 
 themselves with merely closing the doors of their 
 houses, and marking over them the words “ sub- 
 missive people.” For some days the streets were 
 deserted, except by the victors ; gradually, how- 
 ever, the people regained confidence, many of 
 the shops were re-opened, and provisions of 
 every description became cheap and plentiful. 
 Many hundred tons of copper coin were found in 
 the treasury, but the sycee and dollars had, in 
 great part, been removed to a safer place during 
 
NINGPO. 
 
 231 
 
 the period we were carrying on operations against 
 Chinhae. Quantities of valuable silks and China 
 ware were discovered, and the granaries were 
 stored with a couple of years’ supply of grain. 
 
 The country around Ningpo is rich and fertile, 
 and the banks on each side of the river a perfect 
 garden. Parties who have proceeded up the 
 river, about forty miles above the city, in the 
 light steamers, describe the scenery on each side 
 as of surpassing beauty. 
 
 The duties of our troops, broke and scattered 
 as they now were, and garrisoned in five distinct 
 places — viz., Hong-Kong, Amoy, Chusan, Chin- 
 hae, and Ningpo, were, it will easily be supposed, 
 arduous and harassing. All, however, continued 
 very healthy, which may be attributed to the 
 praiseworthy conduct of the men, the total ab- 
 sence of every description of intemperance, the 
 abundant supply of good food, and the comfort- 
 able barracks provided them. The artillery were 
 quartered in the hall of audience, where Captain 
 Anstruther used to be examined before the 
 Chinese officers. Here he found the identical 
 
232 
 
 NORTH-EAST MONSOON. 
 
 cage in which he was confined. He was imme- 
 diately recognised by the turnkeys about his old 
 prison-house, and was now enabled to oblige and 
 assist those who had previously been kind to 
 him. 
 
 In the early part of the Chinese expedition, 
 Sir Charles Adam, in pointing out the difficulties 
 of carrying it through, remarked that no ship 
 could possibly get from Singapore to Macao dur- 
 ing the prevalence of the north-east monsoon. 
 The passage is, no doubt, a difficult, and, to a 
 certain extent, a dangerous one. But that the 
 honourable member’s argument was too sweep- 
 ing, is clearly seen in the number of ships that 
 almost daily reach Hong-Kong, from the several 
 ports of India, and proceed to Chusan. In the 
 month of December, 1841, the Jupiter troop-ship 
 conveyed H. M.’s 26th regiment from Hong- 
 Kong to Ningpo ; and this she effected, in the 
 very teeth of the monsoon, in little more than a 
 month. That occasional accidents will happen 
 must be expected. No accounts have ever been 
 heard of the Golconda, and the supreme govern- 
 
LOSS OF THE MADAGASCAR. 
 
 233 
 
 merit have directed that the names of those un- 
 fortunate officers and men embarked on her be 
 now struck off the strength of the army. 
 
 The loss of the steamer Madagascar, though not 
 in any way owing to the influence of the pre- 
 vailing monsoon, may be here enumerated among 
 those other losses which have already occurred 
 on the expedition. This steamer started from 
 Hong-Kong in the month of September, 1841, 
 and proceeded about ninety miles, when her coal 
 was discovered to be on fire. The fire had com- 
 municated from the furnace late one afternoon. 
 Every exertion was made to extinguish it, but 
 without effect. It blew a gale the whole of this 
 night, and at daylight on the following morning, 
 the fire was found to have extended so near the 
 magazine, that it became absolutely necessary at 
 once to forsake the ship. To effect this, how- 
 ever, was a service of danger, in consequence of 
 the boisterous nature of the weather, and the Las- 
 car or native crew, who on any sudden emer- 
 gency become perfectly apathetic and useless. 
 The steamer was provided with four boats. 
 The Lascars, finding that it was determined to 
 
234 
 
 LOSS OF THE MADAGASCAR, 
 
 risk all to them, resolved to have their share. 
 Without the consent or knowledge of Captain 
 Dicey, an able and experienced seaman, a portion 
 of the crew rushed into and lowered a couple of 
 the boats. These no sooner touched the water, 
 than, from want of proper precaution, they were 
 swamped, and all on board perished. The other 
 two boats, being properly manned, kept com- 
 pany for some time, but at length separated 
 in a storm, and never met again. When about 
 ten miles from the steamer, she was observed to 
 blow up with a tremendous explosion, and go to 
 pieces. The captain’s boat, having on board the 
 chief officer, the surgeon. Captain Gratton, 18 th 
 regiment, and forty of the crew, reached the 
 shore the day after they forsook the wreck. 
 They had not been long there when the Chinese 
 took them prisoners. At first they were treated 
 most unkindly ; stripped of all their clothes, they 
 were obliged to march many miles on their bare 
 feet, until they arrived in the neighbourhood of 
 Canton, where they were then kept close pri- 
 soners, but treated with greater kindness. They 
 continued to pass themselves off as Americans; 
 
LOSS OF THE NERBUDDA. 
 
 235 
 
 and after being nearly six months in the hands 
 of the Chinese, through the local influence of 
 that respectable Arm, Messrs. Jardine, Matheson, 
 and Co., they were at length liberated. This 
 transaction reflects no great credit on Mr. 
 Johnstone, in charge of the government of Hong- 
 Kong, who throughout declined to exert himself 
 in procuring their liberation, and after they had 
 become free, actually refused to reimburse those 
 who advanced a large sum of money to purchase 
 their freedom, on the plea that they were not 
 British subjects, but only servants of the East 
 India Company ! 
 
 The transport Nerbudda, also, sailed from 
 Hong-Kong in September, bound for Chusan. 
 She had on board, besides immense quantities of 
 stores, thirty men and an officer of H.M.’s 55th 
 regiment, and 150 public followers for the several 
 corps in the north. The ship reached the Chu- 
 san group without accident ; here, however, she 
 experienced a most severe gale, which at once 
 dismasted her ; she drifted before the wind and 
 tide until she reached the north end of the island 
 of Formosa, where she struck upon a reef, but 
 
236 
 
 LOSS OF THE NERBUDDA. 
 
 immediately going over it, she again floated in 
 twenty fathom water, where she was anchored. 
 The cutter and the two quarter-boats had been 
 lost in the gale. The long-boat was therefore 
 got out; into this. Lieutenant Hamilton, H. M.’s 
 55th regiment, commanding on board, the captain, 
 all the officers, and every European in the ship, 
 embarked for the purpose, if possible, of making 
 Amoy, and procuring assistance for those left on 
 the wreck. Finding this impossible, they bore 
 up, and proceeded down the coast on the eastern 
 side of Formosa Island. They had been at sea 
 fourteen days, and had suffered great privations, 
 when most fortunately they fell in with a junk, 
 which supplied them with some water and rice, and 
 on the following day they were picked up by a 
 clipper, and brought into Hong-Kong harbour. 
 H. M.’s ship Nimrod was immediately dispatched 
 to the wreck, but not a trace of it was to be seen. 
 In coasting down the inner, or western side of 
 the island of Formosa, they discovered from some 
 Chinese, whom they took on board, that a ship, 
 answering the description of the Nerbudda, had 
 gone down at her anchors, that a great portion 
 
LOSS OF THE VISCOUNT MELBOURNE. 237 
 
 of those on board had been lost, and that about 
 100 men who had come on shore in rafts had 
 been sent by the inhabitants of Formosa to the 
 Chinese coast. 
 
 The Viscount Melbourne sailed from Singa- 
 pore in the end of December. On the fifth of 
 January she struck on the Leuconia shoal, in the 
 Chinese seas. Among other passengers on 
 board of her was Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, 
 proceeding to take command of the 37th Madras 
 Grenadier corps. The ship was fast settling, 
 which rendered it necessary to have recourse to 
 the boats as the only means of preservation. 
 These were five in number ; by mutual consent, 
 they steered for Borneo Proper. On the 7th 
 they came in sight of land. Here one of the 
 boats, manned solely with Lascars, left the others, 
 and, contrary to the directions of the captain of 
 the ship,” proceeded on shore, which, however, 
 they had hardly reached when they were attacked 
 by the Malay pirates, and all taken prisoners. 
 On the same evening the first cutter, in which 
 Colonel Campbell was, became separated from 
 the other boats in a gale of wind. The captain. 
 
238 LOSS OF THE VISCOUNT MELBOURNE, 
 
 who was in one of the latter, in consequence of 
 the wind changing, altered his original intention, 
 and steered for Singapore, which port they 
 reached fourteen days after abandoning the 
 wreck. Those in the first cutter were not so for- 
 tunate. This boat had been injured on the reef, 
 and it was necessary to have two men day and 
 night employed in baling out the water to prevent 
 her from sinking. On the day after they had 
 parted from the other boats, they were attacked 
 by the Malay prows ; but fortunately, being well- 
 armed, they effectually resisted the attempts 
 made to take them prisoners. From those prows, 
 some of the Lascars who had been seized the 
 previous day leaped overboard, and swam toward 
 the boat, but only two men succeeded in getting 
 on board. Finding it impossible to reach Borneo 
 Proper, they steered for Sambas, a Dutch settle- 
 ment on the coast of Borneo. Here, after suf- 
 fering many privations from the want of water, 
 the loss of rudder, the leaky state of the boat, 
 and the dangerous nature of the coast, both from 
 its imperfect scenery and the swarms of pirates 
 frequenting it, they arrived in a state of extreme 
 
KINDNESS OF THE DUTCH. 
 
 239 
 
 exhaustion on the 16th of January, when the 
 Dutch authorities vied with one another in ad- 
 ministering to their comforts during ten days 
 they remained with them. The sultan of Sam- 
 bas, who is friendly to the British government, was 
 determined not to be behind hand in his atten- 
 tions. He presented Colonel Campbell and the 
 two officers in the boat with handsome gold rings, 
 and ultimately sent them to Singapore in one of 
 his own ships. 
 
CHAPTER XXL 
 
 Opium and opium smoking. 
 
 It is well known that many high authorities at 
 home as well as abroad have asserted, and still 
 continue to assert, that the pending war between 
 Great Britain and the celestial empire had its 
 origin in the opium traffic. Now, in taking up 
 this position, the expedition is made to appear 
 in its most odious light, and were these argu- 
 ments of its opponents once admitted as reason- 
 able and founded on a true basis, England would, 
 indeed, have cause to rue the events of the two 
 past years. That the sale of the drug may have 
 tended, in some degree, indirectly, to add a 
 stimulus to the injuries inflicted upon foreigners 
 trading to Canton, there is hut little doubt ; but 
 
THE OPIUM TRADE. 
 
 241 
 
 the arrogance and insolence of the mandarins, 
 acting under the orders of their emperor, had 
 arisen to so great a pitch, independent of the 
 opium trade altogether, that it required but little 
 foresight to predict that a crisis was approaching 
 between the two nations. Be this as it may, a 
 work of this description would seem to be in- 
 complete, were not a certain portion, however 
 small, devoted to a subject so important and full 
 of interest to the British and Indian govern- 
 ments. The opium for the Chinese market is 
 procured solely from our Anglo-Indian posses- 
 sions, the Patria and Benares from the corre- 
 sponding districts of that name in Bengal, and 
 the Malua from Bombay. The two former are 
 exported in small cakes, the latter in balls, each 
 about the size of a thirty-two pound shot. They 
 are packed in the dried leaf and stocks of the 
 poppy, and sent on to China in fast sailing clip- 
 pers. It being a great object to be first in the 
 market, there is at all times great competition 
 amongst the several mercantile houses on this 
 point. The clipper no sooner arrives at Macao, 
 than she immediately proceeds to transfer a por- 
 
 R 
 
242 
 
 THE OPIUM TRADE. 
 
 tion of her cargo to receiving ships, stationed at 
 well-known positions on the coast of China. 
 These ships are always effectively manned and 
 armed to enable them to resist any sudden at- 
 tack either by the mandarins or pirates who rove 
 about this coast in great numbers. They for 
 the most part lie at anchor some miles from 
 land, and at stations where the Chinese opium 
 merchant, from long habit, knows where to find 
 them. Here they are always certain of obtaining 
 a ready sale for the drug, and at prices which 
 repay the original purchaser, at times, many hun- 
 dreds per cent. There are but few firms, how- 
 ever, who can engage in the traffic to this extent, 
 in consequence of the enormous floating capital 
 required. The Chinaman comes with his bags 
 of dollars and sycee, or pure native silver, and 
 receives the opium in exchange. No credit is 
 given or asked for ; all dealings are carried on in 
 ready money. 
 
 The opium is never used by the Chinese in its 
 crude state, but it undergoes a process which 
 separates the resin and other impurities, leaving 
 a residuum somewhat analogous to the morphia 
 
MODE OF SMOKING OPIUM. 
 
 243 
 
 used by us, though in a very impure state. This 
 is retailed at most exorbitant prices, and is sup- 
 posed to be used universally and indiscriminately 
 throughout the empire. For medicinal purposes, 
 it is employed by the Chinese both internally 
 and externally, to a very great extent ; and I 
 have been informed by a native doctor, that a 
 very few grains taken internally by the most 
 confirmed opium smoker, is certain to lull him 
 to sleep, and have a far more powerful effect 
 upon his secretions than if ten times that quan- 
 tity was introduced into the system by means of 
 inhalation. The drug, when used for smoking, 
 has the appearance and consistence of tar. The 
 apparatus necessary for proceeding with the opera- 
 tion consists of a small lamp, fitted with a glass 
 shade, a steel probe, a small brass box contain- 
 ing the drug, and an ebony pipe, about eighteen 
 inches in length. At the further extremity 
 of which is a large pear-shaped bowl, smooth 
 and flattened on its upper surface, in the centre 
 of which is a small hole capable of admitting a 
 pin’s head. The smoker now lies down on his 
 bed, and drawing the table, on which the lamp is 
 
 R 2 
 
244 
 
 MODE OF SMOKING OPIUM. 
 
 placed, close to him, with the probe he takes 
 from the box a piece of opium about the size of 
 a pea ; this he applies to the flame until it swells 
 and takes fire ; instantly blowing the flame out, 
 he rolls the opium for a short time on the bowl 
 of the pipe, and then re-applies it to the flame, 
 and repeats the same process until it becomes 
 sufficiently burned to be fit for use. It is now 
 introduced into the small aperture in the bowl, 
 and the lungs having previously been emptied as 
 much as possible of atmospheric air, the pipe is 
 put to the mouth and the bowl applied to the 
 flame, and in one long deep inspiration the 
 opium becomes almost entirely dissipated. The 
 fumes are retained in the chest for a short time, 
 and then emitted through the nostrils. This 
 operation is repeated until the desired effects of 
 the drug are produced, the period of which varies 
 according as the individual has been accustomed 
 to its effects. Some old stagers will smoke 
 whole nights without being completely under its 
 influence, whereas, to the beginner or to a per- 
 son not used to the habit, a very small q^uantity 
 is sufficient to stupify. 
 
EFFECTS OF OPIUM. 
 
 245 
 
 I had the curiosity to try the effects of a few 
 pipes upon myself, and must confess I am not at 
 all surprised at the great partiality and craving 
 appetite always present with those who are long 
 accustomed to its use. From wdiat I have myself 
 experienced, as w^ell as seen in others, its first 
 effects appear to be that of a powerful stimulant. 
 There are few who have not, at some period of 
 their lives, experienced the powers of opium, 
 either to soothe or mitigate pain, or drown cares 
 and sorrows. But as with most other temporary 
 stimulants, there follows a period of nausea and 
 depression ; the opium becomes partly digested 
 in the stomach, and it deranges all the natural 
 secretions. When introduced into the system 
 through the lungs, this does not appear to follow. 
 Its effects are then far more immediate and ex- 
 hilarating, as well as more transient. The pulse 
 vibrates, it becomes fuller and firmer, the face 
 glows, the eyes sparkle, the temperature of the 
 skin is elevated, and it becomes suffused with a 
 blush ; the organs of sense are exquisitely sensi- 
 tive, perspiration flows profusely, respiration be- 
 comes quicker, the action of the heart is in- 
 
246 
 
 EFFECTS OF OPIUM SMOKING. 
 
 creased, the nervous energy is exalted, and a glow 
 of warmth, and sensations similar to those which 
 often attend highly pleasurable and agreeable 
 feelings, overspreads the body ; every organized 
 tissue shares the impression, and the whole sys- 
 tem becomes preternaturally excited, and as- 
 sumes the characteristic of disease. The percep- 
 tions become more vivid, the imagination more 
 prolific with ideas, and these of a more brilliant 
 and exalted character. Fancy is awakened, and 
 creates new and bright associations, the pleasur- 
 able scenes of former life are again recalled, 
 events and circumstances long effaced from recol- 
 lection, facts long forgotten, present themselves 
 to the mind, the future is full of delightful anti- 
 cipations, whilst the most difficult schemes ap- 
 pear already accomplished, and crowned with 
 success. Under its operation every task seems 
 easy and every labour light. 
 
 The spirits are renovated, and melancholy is 
 dissipated ; the most delightful sensations and the 
 happiest inspirations are present when only par- 
 taken to a limited extent, and to those not long 
 accustomed to its use. If persevered in, these 
 
EFFECTS OF OPIUM SMOKING. 
 
 247 
 
 pleasing feelings vanish, all control of the will, 
 the functions of sensation and volition, as well as 
 reason, are suspended, vertigo, coma, irregular 
 muscular contractions, and sometimes temporary 
 delirium, supervene. 
 
 From the earliest periods in every nation, and 
 among every people, we find some description of 
 stimulus in common use among them ; and were 
 we to be led away by the popular opinion that 
 the habitual use of opium injures the health and 
 shortens life, we should expect to find the Chi- 
 nese a shrivelled, and emaciated, and idiotic 
 race. On the contrary, although the habit of 
 opium-smoking is universal amongst the rich and 
 poor, we find them to be a powerful, muscular, 
 and athletic people, and the lower orders more 
 intelligent, and far superior in mental acquire- 
 ments, to those of corresponding rank in our own 
 country. 
 
 The Chinese themselves affirm that the use of 
 the drug acts as a preventive against disease, 
 and in this opinion, when smoked in moderation, 
 I am inclined in part to agree with them. The 
 particles, by their direct and topical influence on 
 
248 
 
 TONIC INFLUENCE OF OPIUM. 
 
 the nerves of the lungs, which carry the impres- 
 sions they receive to the heart, brain, and spinal 
 cord, and, through them, to all parts of the body, 
 may thus, to a certain extent, guard the system 
 against disease, and, by its tonic influence, 
 strengthen the several organs ; this opium gains 
 strength when we call to mind that a peculiar 
 active principle in opium, the narcotic, has of 
 late been employed with considerable success in 
 Bengal, as a substitute for quinine. It may also 
 be mentioned, that, at the time fevers prevailed 
 so extensively among our troops at Hong-Kong, 
 but comparatively few of the Chinese suffered, 
 though exposed throughout to the same exciting 
 causes. 
 
 These facts would certainly, on the whole, ra- 
 ther tend to shew that the habitual use of opium 
 is not so injurious as is commonly supposed ; its 
 effects, certainly, are not so disgusting to the be- 
 holder as that of the sottish, slaving drunkard. 
 True, like all other powerful stimulants and nar- 
 cotics, it must ultimately produce effects inju- 
 rious to the constitution ; and the unhappy 
 individual who makes himself a slave to the 
 
ABUSE OF OPIUM. 
 
 249 
 
 drug, shuns society, and is indifferent to all 
 around him; and, when deprived of his usual 
 allowance, he describes his feelings as if rats 
 were gnawing his shoulders and spine, and 
 worms devouring the calves of his legs, with 
 an indescribable craving at the stomach, relieved 
 only by having recourse to his pipe — now his 
 only solace. 
 
 There is no disease in which opium may not 
 be employed ; nor do we know of any substance 
 which can supply its place. Yet here we find 
 its use abused, like many others of the choicest 
 gifts of Providence. 
 
CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Troops enter winter quarters — Health of the force — Enemy 
 tlireaten their position — Conclusion. 
 
 As the cold of winter approached, it became 
 necessary to protect the troops as much as pos- 
 sible from its influence. Profiting, therefore, by 
 last year’s hard-bought experience, the most 
 comfortable quarters procurable were provided 
 them. In the months of December and January, 
 the cold was most intense. At Ningpo, the 
 thermometer was seldom above 16°, and very 
 frequently as low as 10°. There were occa- 
 sionally very heavy falls of snow, with severe 
 frost ; but such was the care and attention be- 
 stowed on the comfort of the men, that regi- 
 mental hospitals, on an average, did not contain 
 
WINTER QUARTERS. 
 
 251 
 
 half-a-dozen patients, instead of the hundreds 
 of last year’s campaign, and a death was now 
 quite a rarity amongst them. The navy, too, 
 were equally healthy. For sportsmen, there was 
 abundance of amusement — pheasant, woodcock, 
 game and wild fowl in every variety abounded 
 in the surrounding country. In the city of 
 Ningpo, everything was going on quietly, the in- 
 habitants were daily flocking back, and now 
 openly expressed a wish to be taken altogether 
 under British protection. Confldence was esta- 
 blished ; there was an excellent market, with 
 supplies of all kinds, and the greater number of 
 the shops have been re-opened. 
 
 The Emperor continued to fulminate forth 
 edicts of extermination ; the fall of Ningpo and 
 Chusan had redoubled his wrath against us. In 
 the same edict that he says he perused the re- 
 ports of his oflicers on the subject “ with fast- 
 falling tears,” he thunders vengeance against 
 us, and directs his oldest and best generals to 
 concentrate their forces, and advance upon us. 
 In the statutes of the imperial council, the name 
 of Great Britain is enrolled among the states 
 
252 
 
 PROPHECY, 
 
 tributary to China ; and now that the rebellious 
 subjects should prove so refractory was beyond 
 endurance. Some intelligent men among the 
 Chinese have actually revived an old prophecy, 
 supposed to have been predicted by the great 
 Confucius — “ That China is to be conquered by 
 a woman and believe that the period of its ful- 
 filment is now approaching. 
 
 Our quiet and pacific mode of life at Ningpo 
 had emboldened some few thousand Tartars, in 
 the month of January, to approach to within a 
 few miles of the city, on one of the large 
 branches of the river. Intelligence of their 
 movements having been brought to the British 
 authorities, it was at once determined to attack 
 them ere they could establish themselves close 
 to our position. For this purpose, the two iron 
 steamers were again called into requisition, and 
 in the course of a very few hours, the enemy 
 were suddenly surprised, at the town of Yu-yao, 
 by the appearance of 600 British troops. The 
 Tartars attacked our men on landing, but were 
 easily repulsed, with a loss of about 150 killed. 
 Their encampment was destroyed, and their gra- 
 
DEFEAT OF TARTARS. 
 
 253 
 
 naries opened to the populace ; the troops then 
 advanced to another position higher up the river, 
 called Si-ke. Here, also, the enemy were easily 
 repulsed, and their camp and granaries met the 
 same fate as did those at Yu-yao, after which 
 our troops returned to Ningpo. Subsequent to 
 this period, no further annoyance was offered to 
 us. Unfortunately, our force being so small, and 
 so separated, no further active operations can be 
 carried on until reinforcements arrive. Though 
 this war has already dealt harshly with us, both 
 in purse and in person, yet must it be proceeded 
 with until the proud Chinese nation be brought 
 to succumb to us, and that can only be done 
 under the walls of Pekin. Like all our eastern 
 wars, this one has been too much a war of nego- 
 tiation, until we found the enemy were laughing 
 at us. Two years’ campaigning has at length 
 convinced us of the utter inutility of obtaining 
 a direct official intercourse with the emperor 
 through his deceitful and lying mandarins, who, 
 to cloak their own weakness, and consequently 
 the weakness of the empire, wilfully misrepresent 
 the true state of things. Henceforth, we must 
 
254 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 war, not only with the government, hut witli 
 the people also, ere we obtain our object. By 
 so doing will the Emperor, and the people too, 
 be convinced that England must and will have 
 her demands. 
 
 In this stage of the expedition we beg to take 
 leave of our readers. Our narrative has now 
 been brought to a conclusion, and the indul- 
 gence of critics is solicited for the errors of one 
 unaccustomed to the intricacies of literature. 
 
 That coming events in China will be of a 
 highly important and interesting nature, not 
 only to Great Britain, but to the world at large, 
 there can be but little doubt ; and when we 
 couple the warfare in this portion of the globe, 
 with the fearful occurrences in AfFghanistan, a 
 vivid picture is indeed presented of our position 
 in the east. Political experience, tact, and sound 
 judgment, will now be called into play, and if, 
 in the course of another year, tranquillity should 
 reign over British relations with India and the 
 Celestial Empire, let us hope that the consum- 
 mation of such a peace may have added addi- 
 tional lustre to Old England’s fame. 
 
CONCLUSION. 
 
 25.5 
 
 That qualities to work out such an end, with 
 the help of Providence, are not wanting, we have 
 ample proof in the present administration. To 
 quote the words of the great Duke, “ A great 
 nation can never engage in a little war.” 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 I. 
 
 NOTIFICATION. 
 
 Secret Department : Fort William, 7th Oct. 1S40. 
 
 The Right Hon. the Governor General of India in council is 
 pleased to direct, that extracts from a despatch from Major-Gen. 
 G. Burrell, commanding the militarj^ force in the China seas, he 
 published for general information, announcing the occupation of 
 the island of Chusan, on the east coast of China, by a portion of 
 the force under his command. 
 
 By order of the Right Hon. the Governor General of India in 
 council. 
 
 H. Torrens, 
 
 Officiating Secretary to the Government of India. 
 
 To his Excellency the Right Hon. Earl Auckland., G.C.B., 
 Governor General of India, ^c. <^-c. ^-c. 
 
 Brigade Head Quarters: City of Tinghae-heen, July 18th, 1840. 
 
 My Lord, — I have the honour to acquaint your lordship, that 
 on the 4th inst., H. M.’s ships “ Wellesley,” “ Conway,” and “ Alli- 
 gator,” (to the former of which I had transferred brigade head 
 quarters, in compliance with the wishes of Sir Gordon Bremer,) with 
 the troop ship, “ Rattlesnake,” and two transports, arrived in the 
 anchorage of Chusan harbour; the ships of war taking up a posi- 
 tion in front of a hill, upon which there was a large temple, or 
 joss house. 
 
 In the evening, a summons was sent to the admiral, who was also 
 governor of the Chusan group of islands, calling upon him to sur- 
 render the island, and soliciting him to do so, that blood might 
 not be shed in useless opposition. 
 
 s 
 
258 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 The officers bearing tlie summons, returned with the Chinese 
 admiral to the “ Wellesley,” accompanied by two mandarins, and 
 although they acknowledged their incapacity to resist, they at- 
 tempted, by evasion and requests, to obtain time, and left the ship 
 without any satisfactory result ; but perfectly understanding, that 
 if submission was not made before daylight next day, hostilities 
 must commence. 
 
 On the morning of the 5th, the hill and shore were crowded 
 with a large body of troops, and from the mast-head of the ships, 
 the city was seen at the distance of a mile from the beach, the 
 walls of which were also lined with troops. On Temple Hill, the 
 landing place, or wharf, and a round tower adjacent, there were 
 twenty-four guns of small calibre, independent of a number of 
 war junks ; and from their proceedings it appeared that resistance 
 was to be offered. As both wind and tide were against the trans- 
 ports, and only 350 men, including marines, were in the harbour, 
 I availed myself of the time offered to reconnoitre the beach be- 
 yond Temple hill, with a view of landing at some distance from 
 the batteries, but which I abandoned, as if opposed there, tlie ship- 
 ping must have opened their fire on the different batteries, and the 
 result have been the same with respect to loss of life, as of open- 
 ing upon the batteries at once; besides which, it was not consi- 
 dered expedient to take from the ships of war, under the prospect 
 of action, so many hands as were required to man the boats. 
 
 About two o’clock p.m., H. M.’s brigs, “ Cruizer” and “ Alge- 
 rine,” had got into position, and as the transports were then en- 
 tering the harbour, the signal was given for landing in rotation, as 
 boats could be supplied in the following order ; — 
 
 First division. — 18th Royal Irish; Royal Marines; two nine- 
 pounders, and 26th regiment. 
 
 Second division. — Volunteer corps and 49th regiment, and de- 
 tachment of Sappers and Miners. 
 
 On the 18th and Royal Marines quitting their ships for the 
 boats, the waving of flags, and beating of gongs and drums, gave 
 further intimation of decided hostile intentions on the part of the 
 Chinese. 
 
 As previously arranged with his Excellency Sir Gordon Bremer, 
 commander-in-chief, a gun was fired from the “Wellesley,” after the 
 18th and Royal Marines were in the boats, with a view of ascer- 
 taining whether resistance was intended. The gun was fired at the 
 round tower most correctly, and no individual injured thereby. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 259 
 
 As the whole of the guns on shore were manned, a return fire was 
 instantly given from them and a number of war-junks, which 
 brought a fire upon the batteries and junks from the whole of the 
 sliips-of-vvar, but of very short duration — the guns and hills being 
 abandoned, and suburbs evacuated in a very few minutes. The 
 beach, and wharf, and Temple Hill being cleared, the troops 
 landed without opposition, and I immediately took possession of 
 the hill, from which a very good view of the city is obtained at the 
 distance of about 1500 yards. As soon as the landing of the 26th 
 regiment was completed, I pushed forward advanced posts from 
 the 18th and 26th regiments, to within 500 yards of the walls of 
 the city, which, although in a dilapidated state, are extremely 
 formidable and difficult of access, being surrounded on three sides 
 with a deep canal of about twenty-five feet wide, and a continued 
 flat of inundated paddy land. 
 
 Having consulted with Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomerie, C.B., 
 of the Madras Artillery, and Captain Pears, the senior officer of 
 Engineers, I decided upon breaching the w'alls of the city near the 
 west gate, and throwing shells into the N.W. angle, so that in the 
 event of the ordnance being inadequate to breach the point 
 already specified, the N.W. angle, which I meant to attempt by 
 escalade, might be more easily carried, from the fire kept up on 
 that point having weakened the defence. On the advance posts 
 taking up this position, a fire was opened upon them from the 
 walls of the city, and kept up at intervals until near midnight. A 
 few shot, not exceeding eight or nine, were fired from our battery, 
 which tended to silence their firing, without doing any injury. 
 Whilst I was visiting them, several shot were fired without an}'- 
 other effect than proving that the Chinese were utterly ignorant of 
 gunnery. 
 
 The second division, consisting of the Madras Sappers and 
 Miners, Bengal Volunteers, and 49th regiment, w'ere landed with- 
 out delay, and, having taken up their position, threw out advanced 
 posts to the front, the latter corps protecting the left of the 
 suburbs. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 6th, I was happy to find, from the 
 very great exertions of Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomerie, that 
 during the night he had, in addition to the two nine-pounders 
 landed with the troops, got into position six other guns of the same 
 size, two five and-a-half inch howitzers, and two mortars, making 
 a total of ten guns, in a position w'ithin four hundred yards of the 
 
 s 2 
 
260 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 M alls. From the stillness in the city, I apprehended a change had 
 taken place there, and I availed for daylight before issuing orders 
 for otfensive operations ; on the first dawn, the flags M'ere seen on 
 the walls as they were the preceding evening, but, as the light in- 
 creased, there did not appear a single person, where there had 
 been thousands the preceding evening, which gave reason to sup- 
 pose that the city was evacuated; and I sent forward Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Montgomerie, Major Mountain, Deputy Adjutant-General, 
 and Captain Pears, field engineer, with a small escort, to recon- 
 noitre as closely as possible the state of the works, and endeavour 
 to ascertain whether the city was abandoned or not. 
 
 These officers passed the canal (the bridge over which had been 
 broken up) by throwing spars across, and with Captain Bethune, of 
 the “ Conway,” who had now joined them, scaled the Avail by 
 means of a ladder found amongst the buildings outside. One or 
 two unarmed Chinese, who appeared above the gate, hung a pla- 
 card over the wall, and refused by signs to admit them, but 
 offered no other opposition. 
 
 The gate was found strongly barricaded within by large sacks 
 of grain, and by the time that a few planks had been thrown over 
 the canal, a company of the 49th, which I had sent for, took pos- 
 session of the principal gate of the city of Ting-hae-heen, upon 
 Avhich the British flag Avas hoisted. 
 
 Guards AA'ere quickly posted at the whole of the gates, and every 
 protection given to life and property. I lament that several 
 houses in the city had been plundered by the lower order of 
 the Chinese people before Ave took possession, and that it Avas car- 
 ried to considerable extent in the suburbs, by the same class, during 
 the nights of the 5th and 6th, from their occupying houses Avhicli 
 were ultimately proved not to belong to parties claiming them. 
 Order is now restored: but a large portion of the people, who 
 went into the country, have not yet returned. 
 
 A return of the ordnance captured on shore is hercAvith trans- 
 mitted ; that on board the Avar junks Avas considerable, but of which 
 I have not a return. 
 
 The loss of the Chinese is estimated at about tAA'enty-five killed; 
 the number Avounded L cannot learn, but it must be very small, 
 from round shot having been fired. The admiral is said to be 
 among the latter. I am happy to say, her Majesty’s troops escaped 
 Avithout loss of any description, and are prepared for any further 
 services required. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 261 
 
 The city of Ting-hae-heen is extensive, the walls being about 
 six miles in circumference ; they are built of granite and brick, of 
 inferior qnality, and with the exception of a hill, where the de- 
 fences are unusually high, there is a deep ditch or canal, about 
 twenty-five feet wide, carried round the walls at the distance of a 
 few yards. There are numerous bastions in the works, and with 
 good troops, in its present state, the city is capable of making a 
 good defence. 
 
 This dispatch will be delivered to your lordship by the Hon. 
 Capt. Osborne, to whom I beg to refer you for further particulars 
 respecting the island of Chusan and our position here. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 (Signed) Geo. Burrell, Brigadier, 
 
 Commanding Eastern Force. 
 
 True Extracts. H. Torrens, 
 
 Officiating Secretary to tlie Government of India. 
 
 Return of Ordnance captured at Chusan {on shore) by the combined 
 naval and military force, under the command of Commodore Sir 
 J. G. Bremer, C.B. and K.C.H., ^c., and Brigadier Burrell, 
 on the 5th July, 1840. 
 
 Ordnance: 
 Where found. 
 
 
 Guns 
 
 , Iron. 
 
 
 Guns, 
 
 Brass. 
 
 
 2 to 3 
 pdrs. 
 
 4 to 6 
 pdrs. 
 
 6i pdrs 
 to 8 
 
 1 
 
 9 pdrs. 
 
 61 pdrs 
 
 Total. 
 
 On Sea Face 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 24 
 
 On walls of theTown 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 23 
 
 In the Arsenals 
 
 15 
 
 21 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 44 
 
 Grand Total ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 91 
 
 The guns, with the exception of the brass one, are all appa- 
 rently of Chinese manufacture, and of a very inferior description. 
 The brass gun has the date of “ 1601, made by Richard Phillips,” 
 place not mentioned. 
 
 A considerable quantity of gunpowder has been found, and three 
 magazines, containing an extensive supply of iron shot, ginjals< 
 matchlocks, swords, bows and arrows, &c., with steel helmets, and 
 uniform clothing for a large body of men, the particulars of which 
 
2G2 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 have not yet been ascertained, but of which an inventory is being 
 made. With the exception of the ordnance, most of the articles 
 are packed and stored with much method and are in very good 
 order. 
 
 (Signed) P. Montgomerie, Lieut.-Col., 
 
 Comdg. Arty. Eastern Expedition. 
 
 (Signed) Geo. Burrell, Brigr. Comdg. 
 
 Camp, Chusan, 10th July, 1840. 
 
 Republished by order of the Right Hon. the Governor in Council. 
 
 Hy. C HAMiER, Chief Secretary. 
 
 II. 
 
 GENERAL ORDERS. 
 
 Fort William : Secret Department, the 24th February, 1841. 
 
 The Right Hon. the Governor-General of India, having re- 
 ceived an official communication of the destruction, on the 7th of 
 January, of Chuenpee and Ty-cock-tow, in an attack made upon 
 those fortifications by the sea and land forces under the personal 
 command of his Excellency Commodore Sir J. J. G. Bremer, C.B. 
 and K.C.H., naval commander-in-chief on the coast of China, is 
 pleased to order the publication of the following official account of 
 tlie action. 
 
 By order of the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India. 
 
 T. H. Maddock, 
 
 Secretary to the Government of India. 
 
 At eight o’clock this morning, the Royal Marines of the squadron, 
 the detachments of the 26th and 49th regiments, and the 37th Ma- 
 dras Native Infantry, and Bengal Volunteers, were landed, accom- 
 panied by the detachment of Royal Artillery, with one 24-pounder 
 howitzer, and two 6-pounder field-guns, together with a division of 
 seamen belonging. to the “Wellesley,” “ Blenheim,” and “ Melville,” 
 in all, about 1400 men, the land forces under the command of Major 
 Pratt, of the 26th Cameronians, a copy of whose report will ex- 
 plain the details of military operations, which were admirably 
 executed. 
 
 The “ Queen” and “Nemesis” steamers were placed in position for 
 throwing shells into the upper fort, by Commander Belcher, of the 
 “ Sulphur,” and soon made an impression ; a division of ships, con- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 263 
 
 sisting of “ Calliope,” “ Hyacinth,” and “ Larne,” under Captain 
 Herbert, attacked the lower fort on the sea face, and, in less than an 
 hour, silenced the guns, although a number of troops remained within 
 the walls ; by ten o’clock the troops had advanced, and carried the 
 entrenchments with their field batteries ; Major Pratt himself and 
 two or three Marines were in possession of the upper fort, and the 
 British colours hoisted ; the lower fort was speedily surrounded, 
 and stormed by the entrance, as well as the wall, by a party ot 
 Royal Marines, and the union jack displayed in the ramparts. 
 
 The management of Ty-cock-tow was entrusted to Captain 
 Scott, of H.M.S. “ Samarang,” accompanied by the “Druid,” 
 “ Modeste,” and “ Columbine,” and in one hour it was silenced ; 
 but the Chinese remained in it until it was stormed by the boats, 
 in which operation Lieutenant Bowers, senior of the “ Sama- 
 rang,” Avas severely wounded ; the guns in all the forts have been 
 destroyed, the magazines blown up, and the barracks and houses 
 burnt; eleven large war junks Avere anchored in the shoal Avater 
 to the eastward of the position ; the “ Nemesis,” under Commander 
 Belcher, accompanied by Lieutenant Killett, of the “ Starling,” 
 attacked them in admirable style, assisted by the boats of the 
 “ Calliope,” under Lieutenant Watson, senior of that ship ; they 
 Avere all set on fire and blown up — one Avith all her creAV on board, 
 a rocket having gone into her magazine. This ended the opera- 
 tions of the day. 
 
 His Excellency the naval Commander-in-Chief expresses his high 
 admiration of the gallantry and zeal which animated every officer 
 and man in the force, returns his thanks to Captains Sir Le Fle- 
 ming Senhouse, of the “Blenheim,” and the Hon. R. Dundas, of 
 the “ Melville,” and Captain Maitland, of the “ Wellesley.” Cap- 
 tains Herbert and Scott carried their divisions into action Avith 
 their accustomed gallantry, and they Avere ably seconded by Cap- 
 tains Smith and Blake, and Commanders Warren, Eyres, and 
 Clarke, under their immediate orders. The Commanders Pritchard, 
 Paget, and Fletcher, of the “Blenheim,” “ Melville,” and “Wel- 
 lesley,” the commanders of the steam vessels, and every officer and 
 man employed, deserve the highest praise for their zealous exer- 
 tions on every point. Major Pratt, of the 26th, conducted the 
 operations on shore, in the most able and gallant manner; he speaks 
 in the highest terms of the conduct of every officer and man 
 employed. 
 
 This service has been performed Avith trifling loss on the part of 
 
264 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 H.M.’s forces, although it is but justice to the Chinese to say that 
 they defended themselves, especially in the batteries, with the 
 greatest credit and devotion ; they have suffered severely ; their 
 loss, including that on board the war junks, cannot be estimated at 
 less than from five to six hundred, out of a force calculated at 
 2000 men. The slaughter in the lower fort, when carried by storm, 
 was considerable. 
 
 To His Excellency Sir J. J. Gordon Bremer, C. B., K. C. H., 
 Commodore of the First Class, Commander-in- Chief, i^c. 
 
 H. M. S. “ Wellesley,” Chuenpee, January 8, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honour to report to you that the troops 
 under my command, consisting of a detachment of Royal 
 Artillery, having one twenty-four pounder howdtzer, and two 
 six pounder field guns, aided by a party of seamen from H. M. 
 Ships “Wellesley,” “Blenheim” and “Melville,” detachments of 
 the 26th and 49th Regiments, a battalion of Royal Marines, the 
 37th Madras Native Infantry, and a detachment of Bengal 
 Volunteers, in all 1400 men, landed yesterday, at nine o’clock, 
 two miles below Chuenpee Point, for the purpose of capturing 
 the several forts and batteries on Chuenpee. 
 
 The troops landed without opposition ; and having formed 
 them, I sent forward an advance of two companies of Royal 
 Marines, under Captain Ellis ; the guns were then moved on, 
 supported by the, detachments of the 26th and 49th Regiments, 
 followed in column by the Marine Battalion, the 37th Native 
 Infantry, and the Bengal Volunteers. 
 
 After advancing a mile and a half, on reaching the ridge of a 
 hill, we came in sight of the upper fort, and of a very strong 
 entrenchment, having a deep ditch outside, and a breast-work 
 round it, which w'as prolonged upwards, connecting it with the 
 upper fort ; it was also flanked by field batteries, having deep 
 trenches in the rear of the guns for the purpose of shelter ; the 
 w'hole was strongly lined with Chinese soldiers, who imme- 
 diately on seeing us, cheered, waved their flags in defiance, and 
 opened a fire from their batteries ; our guns were promptly 
 placed on the crest of the ridge, and commenced firing. This 
 W'as duly returned by the Chinese for about twenty minutes ; 
 and indeed in this, as w'ell as our other encounters with them, 
 it is but justice to say, they behaved with courage. During this 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 265 
 
 time, the advance crossed the shoulder of the hill to the right, 
 driving before them the Chinese, who had lined it in consider- 
 able numbers ; then, descending into the valley, took possession 
 of a field battery placed there. I had previously ordered two 
 companies of the 37th N. L, under Captains Bedingfield and 
 Wardroper, to scour round a hill to the right of the advance, 
 where they encountered the Chinese in some force, and drove 
 them away with much loss. Captain Duff, commanding the 
 corps, speaks highly of the conduct of these companies, which he 
 had supported by another under Lieutenant Hadfield. 
 
 Seeing that the fire from our guns was causing the Chinese to 
 fly from the entrenchments and batteries, I moved the column 
 down the slope, causing the two leading companies of Marines, 
 under Captain Whitcomb, to clear the wooded hill in front. I 
 took a subdivision of them, got into the entrenchment, and pro- 
 ceeded up inside the breastwork to the upper fort, in which 
 there was still a number of men. These were speedily dislodged 
 by the two Marines who first reached it ; the fort was entered, 
 and the British ensign hoisted by a Royal Marine. 
 
 The lower fort, which had sixteen guns facing the sea, and 
 was surrounded by a higb wall, and a small battery between, 
 was, from this, completely exposed ; but the fire of these, as 
 well as of the upper fort, had been silenced by the ships attacking 
 on the sea face. They were still in considei’able numbers in 
 the lower part of the fort, and had locked the gate ; a fire was 
 therefore kept up from the hill, and the advance coming round 
 the lower side to the gate, forced it by musketry. On entering, 
 they met with considerable resistance, which was speedily sub- 
 dued ; some men then entering an embrasure on the flank, the 
 fort was taken, and our flag hoisted. 
 
 The whole of the forts and batteries being now in our pos- 
 session, we proceeded to render the guns unserviceable, and 
 dismantle the fort, setting their encam])ments on fire ; and, on 
 re-embarking, the magazine in the lower fort was blown up. 
 
 I am happy to say that the loss on our side has been small, 
 and would have been less, but for the explosion of an expense 
 magazine in the fort after the capture. The Chinese, however, 
 sufiered severely ; between three and four hundred were killed 
 and wounded, including amongst the killed the ‘ Heptai,’ an 
 officer with rank equivalent to our Brigadiei’-General. About 
 100 prisoners were taken, who were released at the close of the day. 
 
266 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 I have great pleasure in stating to your Excellency the admir- 
 able manner in which the whole Force beliaved, and I beg to 
 recommend to your notice Major Johnson, 26th Regiment, 
 commanding detachments of the 26th and 49th Regiments. I 
 must particularly mention Captain Ellis, commanding the 
 Marine Battalion, an old and previously distinguished officer, 
 who conducted the advance during the whole day with the 
 greatest gallantry and judgment, and he speaks in the highest 
 terms of the men forming the advance ; Captain Knowles, R. A., 
 who placed his guns admirably, and dismantled the forts after 
 their capture ; Captain Duff, commanding the 37th N. I., and 
 Captain Bolton, commanding the detachment of Bengal Volun- 
 teers. From Lieut. Stransham, Adjutant of the Royal Marines, 
 who acted as Brigade Major, I received most valuable assistance 
 during the day, and gladly availed myself of the services of your 
 Military Secretary, Lieut. Stewart Mackenzie, 90th Regiment, 
 who volunteered to act on my staff, and took charge of a party 
 of skirmishers of the advance the better part of the day. 
 
 Lieutenant Wilson, H. M. S. “ Blenheim,” commanded the sea- 
 men, and the guns were dragged forward in good style ; and the 
 disembarkation and re-embarkation of the troops was ably managed 
 by Lieutenant Symons, H. M. S. “Wellesley.” 
 
 I enclose the list of guns captured and destroyed, and also the 
 return of casualties. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 
 (Signed) J. L. Pratt, Major, 26th Cameronians, 
 
 Commanding the Force. 
 
 List of Casualties in the Force employed at the Assault and Capture of the 
 Forts and Batteries on Chuenpee, on the 7th January, 1841. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 2nd Lieutenant White, Royal Marines, slightly. 
 
 Assistant-Surgeon McPherson, 37th Madras Native Infantry, burnt by 
 explosion. 
 
 Mr. Arthur Vyner, Mate, R.N., (H. M. S. “ Blenheim,”) severely. 
 
 Royal Artillery, 1 gunner and driver, slightly. 
 
 Royal Marines, 2 sergeants, 7 privates, severely. 
 
 2 privates, slightly — -18th Royal Irish. 
 
 2 privates, ditto — 37th Madras Native Infantry. 
 
 2 havildars, 1 naique, 10 privates, severely. Total, 30. 
 
 (Signed) A. B. Stransham, Acting Brigade Major. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 267 
 
 Calliope .... 
 
 
 Samarang .... 
 
 . . . 1 Lieutenant Bowers, severely. 
 
 
 1 boy, 1st class, severely. 
 
 Hyacinth .... 
 
 
 
 3 seamen, slightly. 
 
 Total . 
 
 ... 8 
 
 Of the force employed on shore, 30 
 
 Grand Total wounded, 38 
 
 (Copy.) 
 
 H. M. S. “ Blenheim,” off the Bocca Tigris, Jan. 8th, 1841. 
 Return of Ordnance mounted in the Fort and Entrenchments at Chuenpee, 
 when Stormed and Captured on the 7th January, 1841. 
 
 In THE Upper Fort — G uns, iron 9 
 
 Lower Fort — Guns, iron 19 
 
 In THE Intrenchments — Guns, iron 15 
 
 — 43 
 
 Guns, iron, not mounted 23 
 
 — 66 
 
 The guns in the forts were nearly of the same calibre as the British 18 and 
 12-pounders. Those in the entrenchments, 6-pounders. 
 
 The guns were all rendered unserviceable and the carriages destroyed. 
 
 (Signed) J. Knowles, Captain, 
 
 Commanding Royal Artillery. 
 
 On Ty-cock-tovv 25 
 
 These guns were of the same calibre as those on Chuenpee, also rendered 
 unserviceable. 
 
 In the junks about 82, from 1 2 to 4-pounders. 
 
 Recapitulation. 
 
 On Chuenpee and its dependencies 66 
 
 On Ty-cock-tow 25 
 
 In the junks 82 
 
 Grand Total, 173 
 
 To Commodore Sir J. J. G. Bremer, C.B., K.C.H., Commander 
 in Chief ^c. <^c. <^c. 
 
 Sir, — In obedience to your instruction of yesterday, I proceeded 
 with the ships placed under orders off Ty-cock-tow. The fort com- 
 menced its fire upon us at twenty minutes past ten o’clock, which 
 I did not reply to until I took up my anchorage, ten minutes after, 
 
268 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 abreast of it, about two hundred yards distant, wiiich was as near 
 as the depth of water would permit of our approach. The “ Mo- 
 deste,” “ Druid,” and “ Columbine” anchored in succession, and 
 in a few minutes so destructive and well-directed Avas the fire of 
 the ships, that that of the enemy’s was silenced, with the exception 
 of an occasional gun or two. At 11-20 a.m., observing that we had 
 effected a practicable breach in the southern end of the fort, I di- 
 rected the boats, manned and armed, to proceed to storm it. 
 Lieutenant Bowers (first of this ship) immediately landed, sup- 
 ported by the boats of the “ Modeste those of the “ Druid” and 
 “ Columbine,” under the command of Lieutenant Goldsmith (first 
 of that ship) proceeded to the north end. 
 
 At attempt at resistance was made by the enemy at the breach, 
 against Lieutenant Bowers and his party, but was instantly over- 
 come by the gallant and determined rush ouAvards of our men, 
 Avhich so appalled the garrison that they instantly made a hasty 
 I’etreat over the hill Avail, leaving us masters of the fort. 
 
 The guns, amounting to tAventy-five longs, of different calibre, 
 Avere then spiked, the trunnions knocked off, a shot, wrapped round 
 Avith Avet canvas, driven hard home in each, and they Avere then 
 throAvn into the sea, their carriages burnt, as Avell as the Avhole of 
 the buildings and magazines bloAvn up ; previous to Avhich latter 
 operation, all the Avounded of the enemy Avere carried away clear of 
 the fort. Their loss, judging from the number of killed lying in 
 every direction, must have been most severe. 
 
 My best thanks are due to Captain Smith and Commanders 
 Eyres and Clarke, for the efficient and able support they have af- 
 forded me. It is impossible to say too much in favour of all those 
 under my command, their conduct merits my Avarmest approba- 
 tion. Of Lieutenant BoAvers (first of this ship) I cannot speak too 
 highly. In the attack of the breach he received a severe sabre 
 Avound across the knee, Avhich I fear Avill deprive me for some time 
 of his services ; I beg leave to recommend him most strongly to 
 your favourable consideration, as Avell as Mr. Luard, mate, Avho 
 behaved 7nost gallantly in the breach — the zealous conduct of this 
 promising young officer has repeatedly draAvn forth my commenda- 
 tions. 
 
 Our damages are very trifling, being merely some of the stand- 
 ing rigging cut aAvay, and a shot through our hull, the fire of the 
 enemy passing all over us. 
 
APPENDIX. 269 
 
 Enclosed, I beg leave to return a list of wounded on board the 
 “ Samarang.” 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 (Signed) James Scott, Captain. 
 
 Her Majesty’s Ship “ Sainarang,” 
 
 Canton Kiver, 8th Jan., 1841. 
 
 (True copies.) T. H. Maddock, 
 
 Secretary to the Government of India. 
 Republished by order of the Right. Hon. the Governor in 
 council. Robert Clerk, 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 
 III. 
 
 CIRCULAR BY CAPTAIN ELLIOT. 
 
 To Her Britannic Majesty's subjects resident at Macao. 
 Negotiations having been interrupted, the positions ofChuenpee 
 and Ty-cock-tow were simultaneously attacked this morning by 
 sea and land, and have both fallen to her Majesty’s arms. 
 
 It will be very satisfactory to her Majesty’s subjects to learn 
 that this gallant achievement was eflPected with trifling loss, not- 
 withstanding an obstinate and honourable defence on all points. 
 
 (Signed) Charles Elliot, 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary in China. 
 
 Her Majesty’s Ship “ Wellesley,” 
 
 Anson’s Bay, 7th Jan., 1841. 
 
 IV. 
 
 CIRCULAR. 
 
 To Her Britannic Majesty's subjects. 
 
 Her Majesty’s Ship “ Wellesley,” off Anunghoy, 8th Jan. 1841. 
 
 A COMMUNICATION has been received from the Chinese com- 
 niander-in-Chief, which has led to an armistice, with the purpose to 
 afford the high commissioner time to consider certain conditions 
 now offered for his acceptance. 
 
 (Signed) Charles Elliot, 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary in China. 
 
270 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 V. 
 
 GENERAL MEMORANDUM. 
 
 “ Wellesley,” off Anunlioy,’21st Jan., 1841. 
 
 The Conimander-in-CIiief having received a communication from 
 his Excellency her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, acquainting him that 
 a treaty^ of peace had been entered into between the Chinese im- 
 perial commissioner and himself, hastens to make the same known 
 to the fleet and force. 
 
 CIUCULAR. 
 
 To Her Hritannic Majesty's subjects. 
 
 Macao, 20 Jan., 1841. 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary has now to announce the conclu- 
 sion of preliminary arrangements between the imperial commis- 
 sioner and himself, involving the following conditions : — 
 
 1. The cession of the island and harbour of Hong-kong to the 
 British crown. All just charges and duties to the empire upon 
 the commerce carried on there to be paid as if the trade were con- 
 ducted at Whampoa. 
 
 2. An indemnity to the British government of six millions of 
 dollars, one million paj^able at once, and the remainder in equal 
 annual instalments, ending in J846. 
 
 3. Direct official intercourse between the countries upon an 
 equal footing. 
 
 4. The trade of the port of Canton to be opened within tea 
 days after the Chinese new year, and to be carried on at Wampoa 
 till further arrangements are practicable at the new settlement. 
 
 Details remain matter of negotiation. 
 
 The Plenipotentiary seizes the earliest occasion to declare that 
 her Majesty’s government has sought for no privilege in China 
 exclusively for the advantage of British ships and merchants, and 
 he is only performing his duty in offering the protection of the 
 British flag to the subjects, citizens, and ships of foreign powers 
 that may resort to her Majesty’s possession. 
 
 Pending her Majesty’s further pleasure, there wdll be no port or 
 other charges to the British government. 
 
 The Plenipotentiary now permits himself to make a few general 
 observations. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 271 
 
 The oblivion of past and redressed injuries will follow naturally 
 from the right feeling of the Queen’s subjects. Indeed, it should 
 be remembered that no extent of modification resulting only from 
 political intervention can be efficacious in the steady improvement 
 of our condition, unless it be systematically seconded by concilia- 
 tory treatment of the people and becoming deference for the insti- 
 tutions and government of the country, upon the threshold of 
 which we are about to be established. 
 
 The Plenipotentiary can only presume to advert very briefly to 
 the zeal and wisdom of the Commander of the expedition to China ; 
 and to that rare union of ardour, patience, and forbearance, which 
 has distinguished the officers and forces of all arms at all points of 
 occupation and operation. 
 
 He is well assured the British community will sympathize cor- 
 dially with him in their sentiments of lasting respect for his Excel- 
 lency and the whole force, which he is ashamed to express in such 
 inadequate language. 
 
 He cannot conclude without declaring that next to these causes, 
 the peaceful adjustment of difficulties must be ascribed to the scru- 
 pulous good faith of the very eminent person with whom negotia- 
 tions are still pending. 
 
 (Signed) Charles Elliot, 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, China. 
 
 DOCUMENT. 
 
 “ Keshen,a great minister of state, and imperial high commissioner 
 of the second order of hereditary nobility, and acting governor of 
 the two Kwang provinces, writes this despatch for the full imforma- 
 tion of the Tungche, or Keunmingfoo of Macao. 
 
 “ The English barbarians are now obedient to orders, and, by an 
 official document, have restored Tinghae and Shaheo, invoking me 
 with the most earnest importunity, that I should for them report, 
 and beg (the imperial) favour. 
 
 “ At present, all affairs are perfectly well settled. The former 
 order for stopping their trade and cutting off the supplies of provi- 
 sions it is unnecessary to enforce ; it is for this purpose that I 
 issue these orders to the said Tungche, that he may obey accord- 
 ingly, without opposition. A special despatch.” 
 
272 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 VI. 
 
 CIRCULAR. 
 
 Circumstances have induced the Commander-in-Chief to an- 
 nounce to her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary his intention to move the 
 forces towards the Bocca Tigris. The Plenipotentiary will afford the 
 earliest information in his power of the future course of events. 
 
 (Signed) 
 
 Secretary and Treasurer to the Superintendents. 
 
 Macao, 10th Feb. 1841. 
 
 VII. 
 
 CIRCULAR. 
 
 To Her Majesty's Subjects. 
 
 The imperial minister and high commissioner having failed to 
 conclude the treaty of peace, lately agreed upon with her Majesty’s 
 Plenipotentiary within the allotted period, hostilities were re- 
 sumed yesterday afternoon. A Chinese force employed under 
 cover of a masked and strong field-work, in blocking up the 
 channel of the river at the back of Annanhoi, was dislodged, and 
 the obstruction effectually cleared away ; the guns in battery and 
 deposit, amounting to about eighty, of various calibre, rendered 
 unserviceable ; and the whole of the military material destroyed. 
 This effective service was accomplished in about two hours, by 
 Captain Herbert, of H.M.S. “ Calliope,” having under his com- 
 mand the steam-vessel “ Nemesis,’’ and the pinnances of H.M.S. 
 “ Calliope,” “ Samarang,” “ Herald,” and “ Alligator.” The e.x- 
 tent of the Nemesis’ loss has not been ascertained. 
 
 (Signed) Charles Elliott, 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. 
 
 On board H.M.S. “ Calliope,” 
 off South Wang-Tong, 24th Feb. 1841. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 NOTIFICATION. 
 
 Secret Department, 20th April, 1841. 
 
 The Right Hon. the Governor General in council, has great 
 satisfaction in publishing, for general information, the following 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 273 
 
 details of brilliant successes which have been recently achieved in 
 China, ending in the entire destruction of the defences of Canton, 
 and in the placing of that city at the mercy of her Majesty’s 
 forces. 
 
 His lordship in council has directed a I’oyal salute to be fired in 
 honour of this occasion. 
 
 T. H. Maddock, 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 
 To the Right Hon George Earl of Auckland, G. C.B., ^c., 
 Governor General of India. 
 
 Wellesley', off North Wang-Tong, March 10th, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — It is wdth feelings of gratification I have the ho- 
 nour to announce to you that the forts of the Bocca Tigris, toge- 
 ther with every other of the Chinese defences with which we are 
 acquainted, have fallen to her Majesty’s arms ; the British flag 
 flying on the fortress of Wang-Tong, in which is a garrison, and 
 all the other batteries have been blowm up, and utterly destroyed ; 
 and as I am aware of the intense interest which is felt by your 
 lordship, I avail myself of the earliest opportunity of forwarding 
 to you a detail of the events which have led to this result. 
 
 On the 20th of January, the preliminaries of a treaty of peace 
 were agreed upon by her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, under the 
 seal of the Chinese commissioner, one of the conditions of which 
 was, the cession of the island of Hong-Kong to her Majesty', and 
 the restoration of Chuenpee and Ty-cock-tow to the Chinese, to- 
 gether wuth the evacuation of Chusan at the earliest possible 
 period. His Excellency, in consequence, requested me to move 
 the force from the immediate neighbourhood of the Bocca Tigris ; 
 and having made the necessary arrangements with the Chinese 
 admiral commanding in chief, the forts were delivered to his 
 officers, under the usual salutes, on the 21st, and the ffeet pro- 
 ceeded to the anchorage off" the west end of Lantao island. 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary and the Imperial Commissioner 
 have arranged to have a formal meeting at the second bar, in the 
 river, on the 26th, I detached the “ Calliope” and “Larne,” and 
 “ Madagascar” and “ Nemesis” steamers to the Bocca Tigris, under 
 the immediate command of Captain Herbert, of the “ Calliope a 
 guard of honour, composed of 100 picked men of the Royal Marines, 
 under the command of Captain Ellis, R.N., of the “ Wellesley,” 
 
 T 
 
274 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 and the band of that ship were embarked. Captains the Hon. 
 R. S. Dundas and Maitland, of the “ Melville” and “ Wellesley,” 
 together with as many of the officers of the fleet as could be 
 spared, accompanied his Excellency ; the party was received with 
 every possible mark of distinction and respect ; the troops were 
 drawn up on the ramparts of the forts, and salutes fired from all ; 
 a sumptuous entertainment had been prepared, to which the 
 officers were invited, after having been presented to the High Com- 
 missioner, and the negotiations proceeded in a satisfactory manner, 
 the particulars of which have been stated by the Plenipotentiary 
 to H. M.’s government. 
 
 On the same day, I proceeded to Hong-Kong, and took formal 
 possession of the island in her Majesty’s name, and hoisted the 
 colours on it, with the usual salutes and ceremonies. By the 
 terms of the treaty, the port of Canton was to be opened to the trade 
 of all nations, on the 2nd of February, and as a proof of the sincere 
 desire on the part of the British functionary to evince good faith, 
 I had, at his request, sent the “ Columbine” to Chusan, and an over- 
 land despatch, by the hands of a Chinese special messenger, 
 directing Brigadier Burrell and Captain Bourchier, of H. M. S. 
 “ Blonde,” to use every effort to embark the stores and troops, 
 &c., and to restore the island to the Chinese authorities. 
 
 The proclamation for opening the port on the 2nd did not 
 appear, and on the 11th, the two ministers again met at the Bocca 
 Tigris, and after a discussion of several hours, on this day and on 
 the next, her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary acceded to a further delay 
 (not to exceed ten days), in order that the definitive treaty might 
 be fairly prepared. I must confess, that from this moment my 
 faith in the sincerity of the Chinese commissioner was completely 
 destroyed ; my doubts were also strengtaened by the reports of 
 the officers I sent up to the place of meeting, who stated that 
 military works on a great scale were in progress, troops collected 
 on the heights, and camps protected by entrenchments arising on 
 both sides of the river, and that the island of North Wang-Tong 
 had become a mass of cannon. These indications being decidedly 
 warlike, I determined to move the light division of H. M.’s ships 
 at once to Macao Roads, and proceeded thither myself on the 13th, 
 to confer with his Excellency the Plenipotentiary, and await events. 
 I found that the treaty, as agreed upon by the commissioner and 
 her Majesty’s minister, had been sent up to the Bocca Tigris, for 
 transmission to Canton, by the “Nemesis,” with orders to await 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 275 
 
 an answer until the night of the 18th, the period the confidential 
 person employed by the Chinese commissioner had named for 
 the purpose. The accounts daily received by merchants and 
 others, at Macao, from Canton, were of the most hostile character, 
 and an edict, purporting to be from the Emperor, calling on all his 
 officers to exterminate us, was published, together with a pro- 
 clamation, the authenticity of which I have, however, been unable 
 to establish, offering 50,000 dollars for my head, and a like sum 
 for that of the Plenipotentiary. On the morning of the 19th, the 
 “ Nemesis” arrived from the Bocca Tigris without any reply, and 
 all doubt was at an end, a shot having been fired at her boat from 
 North Wang-Tong. I instantly detached the light division under 
 Captain Herbert, of H. M. S. “ Calliope,” (who was accompanied by 
 H. M. Plenipotentiary,) with directions not to run any unne- 
 cessary hazard until the body of the force came up, but to pre- 
 vent, as much as possible, any further defensive preparations on 
 the part of the enemy. I proceeded at the same time to Hong- 
 Kong, and weighed with the ships of the line, the “ Queen” and 
 “Madagascar” steamers, leaving the “Druid,” “Jupiter,” and 
 transports to follow. 
 
 Captain Herbert, with the ships under his orders, took up a 
 position on the western channel off South Wang-Tong, on the 
 20th, and on the 22nd he proceeded in the “ Nemesis,” with some 
 boats of the squadron, to the channel at the back of Anunghoy, 
 and destroyed a masked battery of 20 guns, which opened on 
 them whilst employed clearing the passage, which the Chinese had 
 been endeavouring to obstruct, by driving down poles, and moor- 
 ing rafts across. This service was performed without any loss on 
 our side ; the guns in the battery were disabled by knocking off 
 the trunnion.s, together with sixty found dismounted ; the maga- 
 zines &c. were burnt ; the enemy left about thirty of the number 
 dead, and their colours were taken by Lieutenant Bowers, senior 
 of H. M. S. “ Samarang.” 
 
 From the prevalence of light winds, the line of battle ships and 
 “ Druid” were not collected until the 24th. On the 25th, 
 
 I arranged a plan of attack on the formidable batteries in our 
 front, and of which it may be necessary for me to give some de- 
 scription. Partly surrounding the old fort of Anunghoy, and in 
 advance of it to high-water mark, was a new and well-built battery 
 of granite, forming a segment of about two-thirds of a circle ; on 
 
 T 2 
 
276 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 it were mounted forty-two guns, some of them of immense weight 
 and large calibre ; several strong entrenchments extended to the 
 southward of this battery, and the ridges of the hill were crowned 
 with guns, up to a camp calculated for about 1200 men ; at the north 
 side was a straiglit work, of modern erection, mounting sixty heavy 
 guns ; about 150 yards of rocky beach intervenes between the end 
 of this battery and the northern circular battery, on which forty 
 guns were mounted; all the works were protected in rear by a 
 high wall extending up the hill, on which were steps or platforms 
 for firing musketry, and in the interior were the magazines, bar- 
 racks, &c. 
 
 On the east end of the island of North Wang-Tong is a battery 
 with a double tier of guns defending the passage on that side, and 
 also partly flanking a number of rafts constructed of large masses 
 of timber moored across the river (about twelve feet apart), with 
 two anchors each, connected by, and supporting four parts of a 
 chain cable, the ends of which were secured under masonry work, 
 one on South Wang-Tong, the other on Anunghoy. On the 
 western end of North Wang-Tong is a strong battery of forty 
 guns, flanked by a field-work of seventeen ; indeed, the whole island 
 is one continued battery ; on the extreme western side of the 
 channel was a battery of twenty-two heavy guns, and a field-work 
 of seventeen, protecting an entrenched camp, containing 1500 or 
 2000 men. South Wang-Tong was not occupied by the enemy ; 
 it was an excellent position, and I therefore caused a work to be 
 thrown upon it during the night of the 25th, and mounted two 
 eight-inch iron, and one 24-pounder brass howitzer ; at daylight 
 on the 26th, Captain Knowles, of the Royal Artillery, opened this 
 battery with admirable effect, throwing shells and rockets into 
 North Wang-Tong, and occasionally into Anunghoy, which fire 
 was returned by the Chinese with great spirit, from a battery im- 
 mediately ojDposite, having also kept up a fire during the greater 
 part of the preceding night, during the erection of the work, 
 which slackened towards two, A. M,, and finally ceased. 
 
 At eleven o’clock, the breeze springing up, the signal was 
 made, and the fleet stood in. 
 
 The attack on Anunghoy I entrusted to Captain Sir H. Le 
 Fleming Senhouse, of H. M. S. “ Blenheim,” having with him 
 the “ Melville,” “ Queen” steamer, and four rocket boats. 
 The “ Wellesley,” “ Calliope,” “ Samarang,” “ Druid,” “ Herald,” 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 277 
 
 “ Alligator,” and “ Modeste,” were opposed to the batteries on the 
 south, south-west, and north-west of Wang-Tong, and the forts on 
 the western side of the channel. 
 
 In less than an hour the batteries on Wang-Tong were silenced 
 and the troops, (under Major Pratt, of the 26th Caineronians,) 
 which had been previously embarked in the “ Nemesis” and “ Ma- 
 dagascar” steamers, consisting of the detachments of H.M.’s 26th and 
 49th regiments, 37th Madras Native Infantry, and Bengal Volun- 
 teers, together with the Royal Marines, were landed, and in a few 
 minutes were masters of the island without any loss ; 1300 Chinese 
 surrendered. 
 
 The Anunghoy batteries had now been silenced by the beautiful 
 precision with which the fire of the “ Blenheim,” “ Melville,” and 
 “ Queen” had been directed ; and perceiving that the enemy were 
 shaken. Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, at the head of the Marines and 
 small-arm men, landed on the southern battery, and drove them in 
 succession from that and the two others, and at one o’clock tlie 
 British colours were flying on the whole chain of these celebrated 
 works ; and the animated gallantry displayed by the whole force, 
 convinces me that almost any number of men the Chinese could 
 collect would not be able to stand before them for a moment. 
 
 Our casualties are trifling, — five wounded slightly in the whole 
 force : the main topmast and fore-yard of the “Blenheim” were shot 
 through, one 32-pounder gun rendered unserviceable, several shot 
 in the hull, and the rigging much cut up ; the “ Melville’s” main- 
 topmast wounded, and rigging considerably injured ; the “Calliope” 
 was struck in several places, and the other ships had merely a few 
 ropes cut. The loss of the enemy was severe, but not so heavy 
 as at Chuenpee, 1300, as before stated, having thrown down their 
 arms. I should estimate their killed and wounded at 250 in 
 Wang-Tong ; probably as many in Anunghoy, at which place the 
 Chinese Admiral, Kwan, and several other mandarins of rank fell. 
 The body of the admiral was recognised by his family, and taken 
 away the day after the action, under a fire of minute-guns from 
 the “ Blenheim.” 
 
 On the morning of the 27th, the light squadron proceeded up 
 the river under the command of Captain Herbert, of the “ Calliope 
 and on the day following, I was gratified by receiving a dispatch 
 from him, .reporting, that on their arrival off the first bar, the 
 enemy were observed strongly fortified on the left bank of the 
 river, close to Whampoa Reach, with upwards of forty war- 
 
278 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 junks, and the “ Cambridge,” (formerly an East Indiaman of 900 
 tons.) On approaching within three miles, the “ Madagascar’’ 
 and “ Nemesis” steamers, having on board his Excellency and 
 Captain Herbert, proceeded to reconnoitre, and find out a clear 
 passage, a number of vessels having been sunk ; on advancing, a 
 heavy fire was opened on the steamers, which was returned with 
 great effect ; the ships were now brought up, and opened fire on 
 the junks, “ Cambridge,’’ and batteries, which in an hour were 
 nearly silenced, when the Marines and small-arm men were landed, 
 and stormed the works, driving before them upwards of 2000 of 
 the Chinese troops, and killing nearly 300. In about half an hour 
 after landing, all the defences were carried, though in several 
 places brave and obstinate resistance was made. In the mean- 
 time, the “ Cambridge” was boarded, and carried by the boats of 
 the ‘‘ Calliope,” “ Nemesis,” and “ Modeste,” and almost imme- 
 diately set on fire ; the explosion of this vessel’s magazine must 
 have been heard at Canton. The fort (mud) mounted on the 
 river-front forty-seven guns ; on the left flank, three; a field-work, 
 four; the “Cambridge,” thirty-four; besides ten mounted in a 
 junk, making altogether ninety-eight guns. 
 
 The war junks escaped up the river, where the ships were pre- 
 vented pursuing them by a strong raft placed across the passage. 
 The guns and other munitions were destroyed. In this gallant 
 affair, the casualties (considering the opposing force) are few : one 
 killed ; three dangerously and five slightly wounded* 
 
 On the morning of the 1st instant, I proceeded up the river, to 
 join the advanced squadron in the “ Madagascar” steamer, taking 
 the transport “ Sophia” in tow. Captain Maitland, with the boats 
 and one hundred small-arm men, together with the Marines of 
 the “ Wellesley,” accompanied me ; the “ Queen,” taking the 
 “ Eagle” transport in tow, on board which ship I had embarked the 
 marines of the “Blenheim,” “Melville,” and “Druid,” also at- 
 tended by the boats of those ships, all being armed with their 
 guns and howitzers. 
 
 On arriving at Whampoa, I found from Captain Herbert’s report, 
 that the enemy were in considerable force at the endof“ Junk Reach,” 
 having as usual sunk several large junks in the river, and further 
 protected themselves by a strong double line of stakes across 
 it, and large bamboos and branches of trees between them. On 
 the following morning I detached Commander Belcher, in H.M.S. 
 “ Sulphur,” up Junk River to reconnoitre, that ship being taken in 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 279 
 
 tow by three of the “ Wellesley’s” boats, under command of Lieu 
 tenant Symonds, senior lieutenant of the latter ship ; on rounding 
 a point on the right bank, they came in front of a low battery of 
 twenty'-five guns, masked by thick branches of trees, which opened 
 a heavy fire on them. Lieutenant Symonds instantly cut the 
 tow rope, and gallantly dashed into the battery, driving the enemy 
 before him, and killing several of their number. The “ Sulphur” 
 anchored, and some shot from her completely routed them from 
 the thick underwood in the vicinity, in which they had taken 
 shelter; the guns were destroyed, and the magazine and other 
 consumable material set on fire. 
 
 The number of troops was probably 230, and they were of the 
 chosen Tartars ; their loss was about fifteen or twenty killed — ours 
 was one seaman of tlie ‘‘ Wellesley,” mortally wounded (since 
 dead), and the boats were repeatedly struck by grape-shot. 
 
 As soon as a cursory survey of the river was made, the “ He- 
 rald,” “Alligator,” “ Modeste,” and “Eagle” and “Sophia” 
 transports were pushed forward, within gun-shot of Howqua’s 
 Fort ; and thus, for the first time, were ships seen from the 
 walls of Canton. On the 2nd, the “ Cruiser” joined me, having 
 on board Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, who took command of 
 the land forces. The “ Pylades” and “ Conway” also joined 
 from Chusan, and the two first-named vessels were sent in ad- 
 vance. On the 4th, in concert with the major-general, an attack 
 was planned for the next morning, but on approaching, the fort was 
 found to be abandoned ; the British coloui’s were hoisted, a gar- 
 rison of the 26th regiment was placed in it, and a company of 
 Royal Marines, under the command of Captain Ellis, R.M., took 
 possession of a large joss house on the left bank (which the enemy 
 w^ere beginning to fortify), and rendered himself secure, while the 
 seamen soon removed some of the stakes and other impediments, and 
 made a clear passage for ships. I may here describe the position. 
 
 On the right bank of the river, on the point formed by the 
 mouth of a creek (which is a boat-passage to Whampoa), was 
 Howqua’s Fort, a square building, mounting thirty guns, from the 
 northern angle ; the stakes mentioned extended to the opposite 
 bank, the ground on each side being low paddy fields, cut and in- 
 tersected by canals in all directions. The Joss house rather pro- 
 jected into the stream, and consequently was a good position. The 
 river here is about 500 yards wide ; 2000 yards in front is a long 
 low island, which divides the river into two branches, and on the ex- 
 
280 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 treme eastern point of which stood a fort, mounting thirty-five 
 guns, built to commemorate the discomfiture and death of the late 
 Lord Napier. From this fort a line of well-constructed and se- 
 cured rafts (forming a bridge) extended to both sides of the river ; 
 on its right bank, flanking Napier s Fort and the raft, was a mud 
 battery, intended for thirty-five guns; on the left was a battery, 
 also flanking Napier’s Fort, on which the enemy had forty-four 
 guns, most of which they withdrew on the night of the 4th. In 
 addition to these defences, stone junks were sunk in all parts of the 
 river, between the stakes and the left of Napier’s Fort, which raft 
 also rested upon sunken junks, secured on either side within piles. 
 
 The position seemed, formidable, and on the 5th the major- 
 general and myself prepared to attack it. He landed at the joss 
 house, having with him the Royal Marines, and a detachment of the 
 26th, for the purpose of taking the battery on the left bank ; the 
 ships weighed, and dropped up with the tide. On the approach 
 of the first ship, the enemy fired all their guns, and fled across the 
 rafts and in boats. The British colours were then hoisted. 
 
 A paper was issued calling on the people to place confidence in 
 us, and to avoid hostile movements, in which latter case protection 
 was ensured to them. At noon the Kwang Chow Foo, or prefect, 
 accompanied by the Hong merchants, came down, and after a long 
 discussion with the Plenipotentiary, admitted that, Keshen having 
 been degraded, and the newly-appointed commissioners not having 
 arrived, there was no government authorized to treat for peace, or 
 make any arrangements ; they confessed the truth of the reports 
 we had heard, that the greatest consternation existed in the city, 
 and that every person who could quit it had done so ; in fact, that 
 it was at our mercy, and it has so remained, a monument of British 
 magnanimity and forbearance. I fear, however, that the forbear- 
 ance is misunderstood, and that a further punishment must be re- 
 sorted to before this arrogant and perfidious government is brought 
 to reason. 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary being, however, desirous to try 
 the effect of another proclamation, and to shew his desire for an 
 equitable adjustment of affairs, addressed the major-general and 
 myself, requesting that we would make no further movement 
 towards the city until the disposition of the provincial government 
 officers was put to the test, as far as regards their non-interfer- 
 ence; and we have consequently remained in statu quo ; but re- 
 ports (on which we can rely) are daily reaching us, which state 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 281 
 
 that fire vessels are fitting out about seven miles above Canton ; 
 forts in the rear of the city in course of erection, and the people 
 are forbidden to bring us supplies, while the teas and silks, and 
 every other valuable, are removing from it. 
 
 These proceedings, so directly contrary to the assurances of pa- 
 cific intentions, (which they are ever ready to deal forth in profu- 
 sion,) lead me to the conclusion, that we shall have to proceed, 
 even at the risk of the destruction of the second city of the empire — 
 an event exceedingly likely to occur, from its abandonment by the 
 authorities, and the excesses of the lower classes of a community 
 proverbially bad. The responsibility must, however, rest on the 
 heads of those authorities. 
 
 I this day returned to Wang-Tong, accompanied by the major- 
 general, in order that the arrangements in that garrison may be 
 carried out, and plans devised for our further operations. 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient 
 humble servant, 
 
 J. G. Gordon Bremer, 
 
 Commodore and Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 To the Right Hon. George Earl of Auckland, G.C.B., S^c. ^c. ^c.. 
 Governor- General of India in Council. 
 
 Wellesley, off Wang-Tong, IMarch 27th, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — In continuation of my letter of the 10th instant, I 
 have the satisfaction to inform your lordship, that on the 13th I re- 
 ceived a report from Captain Herbert, of H. M.’s ship “ Calliope,” 
 detailing a well-executed attack on the only remaining fort pro- 
 tecting the approaches to the city of Canton. This fort is situated 
 about ten miles from the anchorage at Whampoa, up a narrow and 
 intricate channel, which ends in the Broadway, or Macao passage 
 from Canton. The attack commenced about five p.m., from the 
 “ Modeste,” and “ Madagascar” steamer, with the boats of the 
 squadron, and in half an hour the works were in our possession, 
 the Chinese keeping up a well-directed fire until the boats’ crews 
 were in the act of scaling the walls, when they gave way, and fled 
 in all directions. They were devoting their whole attention to the 
 strengthening of the defences of this post, and had rendered it one 
 of the most formidable which had been encountered; I am there- 
 fore happy that it is in our hands. The loss of the Chinese is not 
 
282 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 correctly known ; many were found dead in the fort. Our own 
 casualties do not amount to more than three wounded. 
 
 The zealous desire of every officer and man in the squadron to 
 seek occasions in which to distinguish themselves, has led to the 
 performance of various well-executed services ; amongst them is 
 the forcing the inner passage from Macao to Whampoa, which was 
 deemed by the Chinese impenetrable to foreigners. Her Majesty’s 
 Plenipotentiary having represented to the senior officer in Macao 
 Roads the great advantages likely to accrue by this step, his views 
 were at once acceded to by Captain Scott, and preparations made 
 for carrying it into effect. 
 
 At three a. m. on the 13th, the “ Nemesis,” with the boats of the 
 “ Samarang” in tow, weighed from Macao Roads, and proceeded 
 over the flats between Twee-lieu-shaw and Toi-koke-tow islands, 
 to the Broadway River. At eight a. m. they came in sight of Motao 
 Fort ; and the steamer, having taken up an enfilading position, 
 where not a gun of the enemy could bear upon her, opened her 
 fire, whilst the boats proceeded to the attack. On their approach, 
 the Chinese abandoned the place. Thirteen guns were found 
 mounted, which were completely destroyed, the buildings set fire 
 to, and a train laid to the magazine, which exploded before tlie 
 boats returned to the “ Nemesis.” On reaching Point How — Hoak- 
 tow — the river is divided into two channels ; that to the right takes 
 a sudden sharp turn, and becomes very contracted in its breadth. 
 Here they discovered Tai-yat-kok, a field-battery (very recently 
 constructed) of fourteen guns, very strongly posted, on a rising 
 ground, situated on the left bank of the river, (surrounded by 
 overflowed paddy fields,) which enfiladed the whole line of the 
 reach leading up to it. As the steamer appeared round the point, 
 the enemy opened an animated fire upon her, which was smartly 
 kept up. It was most effectually returned by the two guns from 
 the “ Nemesis,” which vessel threw her shot, shells, and rockets 
 admirably. The boats advanced under the slight cover of the 
 bank, but before a landing could be effected on their flank, they 
 abandoned the guns, when possession of the work was taken by a 
 narrow pathway, which could only be passed in single files. The 
 guns were destroyed, and the buildings and material consigned to 
 the flames, and blown up. Meanwhile a detachment of the boats 
 had gone over to the opposite side of the river, and destroyed a 
 military station, or depot. At noon, nine war junks were seen 
 over the land, and chase immediately given. On entering the 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 283 
 
 reach in which they were, Captain Scott observed on the right 
 bank of the river a new battery, scarcely finished, with ten em- 
 brasures, but without guns, and Hochang Fort close to it, well 
 built of granite, surrounded by a wet ditch, and mounting four- 
 teen guns, and six ginjalls. Abreast of these (which they flanked) 
 the river was strongly staked across, through the centre of which 
 the last junk had passed, and the opening again secured. The 
 enemy immediately commenced firing from the fort and junks, 
 which was replied to by the “Nemesis” with good effect, while the 
 boats opened a passage through the stakes, and dashed on to the 
 attack of Hochang and the junks ; the former was secured by 
 wading the ditch and entering the embrasures, and the latter, seeing 
 the fall of the fort, became so panic-stricken, that, on the approach 
 of the boats, seven got on shore, their crews jumping overboard 
 immediately they grounded, two junks alone escaping. Lieutenant 
 Bower, in pushing to cut them off, discovered Fiesha-kok on the 
 left bank of the river, within a hundred yards of the advanced 
 junk aground, which fort, mounting seven guns, opened a heavy 
 fire of grape upon him. Observing that the junks were abandoned 
 by their crews, he turned all his attention to his new opponents, 
 whom he drove out of their stronghold by passing through the ad- 
 joining town and taking them in reverse. 
 
 In the meantime, Mr. Hall dexterously managed in getting his 
 vessel through the centre passage of the stakes, which fortunately 
 was just sufficiently wide to admit of her passing. At 2-30 
 the boats returned to the steamer, after having destroyed all 
 the guns, and set fire to Fiesha-kok Fort, and the seven war junks, 
 which all blew up within a quarter of an hour. Chase to the two 
 escaped junks recommenced, during which they passed two dis- 
 mantled forts. At four p. M. they arrived off the large provincial 
 town of Hiangshan, one of the large war junks preceding them 
 about a mile. The dense population thickly ci’owded the banks, 
 boats, junks, house-tops, the large pagoda, and surrounding 
 hills. Both sides of the river were packed by the trading craft of 
 the country in the closest possible order, the centre of the river 
 (which is very narrow here) having merely sufficient space to allow 
 the steamer’s paddle-boxes to pass clear of the junks moored to its 
 banks. Not the slightest fear was manifested by the people ; but 
 several mandarins took to their boats, and followed the war junks, 
 which Avere closed so rapidly that one of them ran on shore, the 
 
284 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 crew jumping overboard. The steamer brought up abreast of her, 
 and destroyed her. While thus employed, tiie fort of Sheang-chap, 
 within two hundred yards, (but hidden by some intervening trees,) 
 opened its fire, which was instantly returned, and the boats, with 
 the Marines of the “ Samarang,” stormed it; its eight guns were 
 destroyed. A number of Chinese troops coming down towards 
 the fort made it necessary to fire two or three shot, which, going 
 directly in the midst of the body, scattered and dispersed them in 
 an instant. At six p. m. the junk and fort were fired, and the steamer 
 passed on into a narrow, shallow channel, scarcely moi’e than the 
 breadth of a canal, when she anchored, head and stern, for the 
 night. 
 
 At daylight on the morning of the 14th, they weighed, and 
 proceeded up the river in the steamer’s draught of water, and 
 not broader than her own length, grounding occasionally on 
 both sides. At 7-50 arrived at the large village of Hong-how, 
 with a fort of the same name at the upper part, which flanked 
 a strong and broad line of stakes, twenty feet wide, completely 
 across the river, filled up in the centre by large sunken junks 
 laden with stones. On discovering the fort, the “ Nemesis” opened 
 fire, which was instantly returned by the enemy. As in all the pre- 
 ceding actions, they fled the moment the boats landed to attack 
 them. They had evidently expected to be assailed on the 
 opposite side to that by which the “ Nemesis” approached, the 
 walls being piled up with sandbags outside in that direction ; 
 nine guns were destroyed here, and the fort blown up ; after 
 the “ Nemesis” had made good her passage through the stakes, 
 which was effected after four hours’ incessant hard labour, assisted 
 by the natives, who flocked on board and around in great numbers 
 after the firing had ceased, all apparently anxious to aid in de- 
 stroying the stakes. 
 
 At four p. M. they arrived off a military station ; a shot was 
 fired into the principal building, which drove out the garrison, 
 who had screened themselves in it ; the boats were then sent on 
 shore, and the whole establishment, together with a mandarin 
 boat, mounting one nine pounder and two ginjalls, were 
 destroyed ; and at six, the steamer anchored for the night. 
 
 At daylight on the 15th, the “ Nemesis” continued her course 
 upwards, and at 7-30 arrived off the large village of Zamchow, 
 under the banks of which a number of soldiers with matchlocks 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 285 
 
 were descried, endeavouring to conceal themselves, upon whom 
 a fire of musketry was opened, which dispersed all those who 
 were unhurt in less than a minute. 
 
 On moving up to Tsgnsi, a large town on the left bank of the 
 river, three forts were passed, all dismantled and abandoned ; the 
 Custom-house of the latter place was destroyed, as well as a 
 war junk mounting seven guns, which the crew had quitted on 
 the approach of the steamer. On proceeding up to Whampoa, 
 three more dismantled forts were observed, and at four p. m. the 
 “Nemesis” came to in that anchorage, having (in conjunction 
 with the boats) destroyed five forts, one battery, two military 
 stations, and nine war junks, in which were 113 guns and eight 
 ginjalls ; thus proving to the enemy, that the British fiag can be 
 displayed throughout their inner waters, wherever and when- 
 ever it is thought proper by us, against any defence or mode 
 they may adopt to prevent it. This service has been performed 
 without the loss of a single man on our side, and only three 
 seamen slightly wounded belonging to H. M. S. “ Samarang.” 
 The greatest praise is due to Mr. W. H. Hall, R. N., commander 
 of the “ Nemesis,” for the cool, unwearied, and zealous per- 
 formance of his duties (under circumstances of frequent danger 
 and difficulty) at all times, more especially in thus traversing 
 a navigation never before passed by a European boat or 
 vessel. 
 
 On the 19th, I was gratified by receiving a report from Captain 
 Herbert, of H. M. S. “ Calliope,” commanding the advanced 
 squadron, detailing the various operations of that force in the 
 attack and capture of the forts, defences, and flotilla off Canton, 
 and the hoisting of the union jack on the walls of the British 
 factory : the guns of the squadron commanding all the ap- 
 proaches to the city from the western and southern branches 
 of the river, thus placing in our power the great provincial 
 capital. 
 
 This was brought about by the Chinese having fired upon a 
 flag of truce, sent with a chop to the Imperial Commissioner, 
 at the desire of his Excellency the Plenipotentiary. The flotilla 
 of boats of the squadron formed into four divisions, under the 
 command of Captains Bourchier and Bethune, of the “Blonde” 
 and “ Conway.” Every arrangement having been completed, 
 the force — consisting of the “ Modeste,” “ Nemesis,” “ Mada- 
 
286 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 gascar,” “ Algerine,” “ Starling,” “ Young Hebe,’’ and “ Louisa,” 
 — moved in advance about noon, and engaged the batteries 
 for about an hour, when the flotilla, with the Marines, under 
 the command of Captain Bourchier, was brought up in admi- 
 rable order, and upon the signal being given, stormed and 
 completed the capture of the enemy’s works, notwithstanding 
 a most determined resistance on the part of the Tartar troops ; 
 123 guns were mounted in the different forts. The loss of 
 the enemy has been very considerable (upwards of 400 men) : 
 our casualties, I am happy to say, do not exceed six wounded. 
 
 This blow was followed by an agreement on the part of the 
 High Commissioner to a suspension of hostilities, and afterwards 
 by the publication of an edict, declaring the trade to be opened, 
 and that all British and other merchants, proceeding to the 
 provincial city, shall receive due and perfect protection. 
 
 I endeavoured to push forward to the scene of action in the 
 “ Hyacinth’s” gig, but only arrived towards its close — in sufficient 
 time, however, to be gratified by the hoisting of the British 
 colours. Thus, for the first time in the history of China, have 
 ships been brought under the very walls of Canton, and by 
 channels and branches on which a foreign ship never before 
 floated. I believe the Chinese were not acquainted with the 
 capabilities of their splendid river ; assuredly they had no idea 
 that the second city in the empire could be assailed by ships of 
 war on its waters. I trust that the fact will have its due influ- 
 ence on the authorities ; and I have no doubt that the forbearance 
 displayed towards a city so completely at our mercy as this is, 
 will be appreciated by the better classes of the community who 
 have everything to lose, and the benevolence of the British 
 character more fully understood than it ever yet has been in 
 this country. 
 
 The gratifying spectacle of our ships in this position is solely 
 attributable to the unwearied exertions of the captains, officers, 
 and men belonging to them, in sounding the various inlets 
 through which they passed, not a single Chinese pilot having been 
 employed throughout. 
 
 In conclusion, we may on this, as on former occasions, con- 
 gratulate ourselves on this service having been perfbrmed 
 without any loss of life on our side, and only seven wounded 
 (severely ;) amongst whom is that gallant officer. Lieutenant 
 
APPENDIX. 287 
 
 Stransham, Royal Marines, of H. M. S. “ Calliope,” acting Bri- 
 gade-Major. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 J.J. Gordon Bremer, 
 
 Commodore of the First Class, Commander in Chief. 
 
 The report from Captain Herbert, of H. M. S. “ Calliope,” to 
 His Excellency Sir Gordon Bremer, referred to in the preceding 
 Despatch, is annexed : — 
 
 (copy.) 
 
 To Commodore Sir J.J. Gordon Bremer, K.C.B. K.C.H. 
 
 Commander -in- Chief, i§c. 
 
 British Factory, Canton, March 18, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — This day the force enumerated below,* under my orders 
 carried and destroyed, in succession, all the forts in the advance 
 and before Canton, taking, sinking, burning, or dispersing the 
 enemy’s flotilla, and hoisted the union jack on the walls of the 
 British factory, the guns of the squadron commanding all the 
 approaches to the city from the western and southern branches of 
 the river ; thus placing in our power the great provincial capital, 
 containing upwards of one million of inhabitants. 
 
 I found myself forced to make this attack without your in- 
 structions, for the reasons so strongly expressed in Her Majesty’s 
 Plenipotentiary’s note, (March 17, 1841 ;) considering it my 
 duty to resent, with all the promptitude in my power, the insult 
 ofiTered the day before to the flag of truce, sent with a chop to 
 the Imperial Commissioner, at the desire of his Excellency. 
 
 I forward the accompanying sketch, placing you in more 
 immediate possession of the line of concentration which led to 
 such an immediate result. In detailing the operations of the day, 
 I feel myself inadequate to do justice to the gallant officers and 
 men employed on this occasion. 
 
 The flotilla of boats, formed into four divisions, was under the 
 command of Captain Bourchier, of the “ Blonde” — Captain Bethune 
 of the “ Conway” assisting. Three divisions, under the immediate 
 charge of Commanders Barlow and Clarke, and Lieutenant Coul- 
 son, of the “Blonde.” Her Majesty’s sloop “ Hyacinth,” (to whom 
 too much praise cannot be given for the exertion displayed by 
 
 * Vide subjoined List. 
 
288 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Commander Warren, his officers and crew, in getting her through 
 the intricate and difficult passes of tlie river, piloted by Com- 
 mander Belcher, to be in readiness for operation,) and a divi- 
 sion of boats, under the command of these officers, was placed at 
 the southern entrance of the river, recommunicating with the 
 main stream at Fatee, to meet any retrograde movement of the 
 numerous flotilla that had taken part in the aggression on the 16th 
 instant. 
 
 Every arrangement having been completed and understood, the 
 whole force moved in advance about noon; the vessels. Marines, 
 and three divisions of boats from the northward of the Macao Fort, 
 and within gun-shot of the enemy’s advance batteries, engaging 
 them for about two hours and a half, when all opposition ceased, 
 and the Factory within the defences was taken possession of. 
 
 The “Modeste” was placed within 300 yards, in front of the 
 principal battery, and shortly gave proofs of her well-directed fire, 
 flanked by the powerful guns of the “ Madagascar,” Captain 
 Dicey, with artillerymen under the direction of Lieutenant Foulis, 
 (Madras Artillery,) and “ Nemesis,” Mr. W. FI. Hall, R.N., com- 
 manding, with artillerymen under the direction of Captain Moore, 
 and Lieutenant Gabbett, (Madras Artillery,) who handsomely volun- 
 teered their services upon the occasion ; the “ Algerine,” Lieut, 
 Mason, and “ Starling,” Lieut. Kellett, passing ahead, cutting 
 through the rafts on the right bank, and engaging a part of the 
 war junks; the “ Hebe” and “Louisa” tenders taking part at the same 
 time, under cover of the ships’ guns. The flotilla, with the marines, 
 was brought up in admirable order by Captain Bourchier; and 
 upon the signal given, stormed and completed the capture of this 
 part of the enemy’s works, notwithstanding a most determined re- 
 sistance on the part of the Tartar troops. From this battery, the 
 vessels and flotilla moved forward, and carried the other defences 
 in succession, amounting in the whole to 123 guns. 
 
 By the great care of Captain Nias, his officers, and ship’s com- 
 pany, the “ Herald” was brought over the flats, and entered the reach 
 during the engagement, which must have had considerable effect 
 upon the enemy, by dividing their attention, not knowing what 
 other force might be in reserve. 
 
 Of Captain Bourchier, whose high character is so well known 
 to you, sir, and the service, I cannot speak sufficiently strong for 
 the manner in which he conducted the forces under his immediate 
 command, not only leading them into action in admirable order. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 289 
 
 but keeping them together in readiness for any outbreak of the 
 immense population of such a crowded city, and I cannot refrain 
 mentioning his conspicuous and energetic exertions in towing off 
 the burning junks, which were drifting upon the suburbs of Can- 
 ton, and soon would have evidently set fire to that part of the city, 
 and involved the destruction of the whole, in which, he reports, he 
 was ably assisted by the officers under his directions. My thanks 
 are also due to that excellent officer. Captain Bethune, and to 
 Commanders Belcher, Warren, Barlow, and Clarke, for their great 
 zeal. The Royal Marines, under Lieutenant Stransham, of the 
 “ Calliope,” assisted by Lieutenants Daniel, Hewitt, Marriot, and 
 Polkinghorne, were, as usual, conspicuous for their gallant, steady, 
 soldierly bearing. I have, however, to regret that Lieutenant 
 Stransham, in exerting himself to destroy the works, was suddenly 
 exposed to a heavy explosion, by which he has been considerably 
 burned, but continues at his post. To Lieutenants Kellett and 
 Collinson, and Mr. Brown, master of the “ Calliope,” every favour- 
 able consideration is due, for having made themselves particularly 
 useful in sounding, and afterwards conducting several men-of-war 
 safely to an anchorage, off the city of Canton. Indeed, rny sincere 
 gratitude is due to every officer, seaman, and marine employed on 
 this service, for their zeal and spirited conduct, from which it is 
 to be hoped the most beneficial results will ensue. 
 
 His Excellency her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, ever on the 
 alert, has done me the honour to be with me throughout these 
 operations, and to whom my best thanks are due for his support 
 and assistance on all occasions. 
 
 By Lieutenant Paul, wdio you kindly attached to me, I enclose 
 a return of casualties, w’hich I am happy to say are inconsiderable, 
 and bring before you the officers employed in the flotilla on this 
 service, with a return of ordnance destroyed in the defences near 
 Canton. 
 
 Your presence at the close of the action releases me from going 
 further into detail. 
 
 From the various reports brought in, w'e have been able to 
 ascertain that the enemy’s loss has been about 400 men. 
 
 I have the honour to be, Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 (Signed) T. Herbert, Captain. 
 
 u 
 
290 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 List of the ShipS; Steamers, Boats, 4'c., emploi/ed at the capture of Canton, 
 on the IQth instant. 
 
 H. M. ship. Herald, Captain Nias. 
 
 H. M. sloop, Modeste, Commander Eyres. 
 
 II. M. sloop. Hyacinth, Commander Warren. 
 
 H. M. brig, Algerine, Lieutenant Mason. 
 
 TENDERS. 
 
 H. M. schooner. Starling, Lieutenant Kellelt. 
 
 H. M. schooner, Hebe, Mr. Quin, Mate. 
 
 H. M. cutter, Louisa, Mr. Carmichael, Mate. 
 
 STEAMERS. 
 
 H. C. steamer, Madagascar, Captain Dicey. 
 
 H. C. steamer, Nemesis, Captain Hall. 
 
 BOATS. 
 
 First Division. 
 
 Commander Barlow 
 Lieutenant Williams 
 Lieutenant Stewart 
 Lieutenant Drury 
 Lieutenant Dewes, Actg. 
 Mr. Walter Kendall, Mate 
 
 Mr. Purver, Mate 
 
 Mr. Woolcome, Mate 
 
 Mr. Baker, Mate 
 
 Mr. Kator, Mate 
 
 Mr. Comber, Midshipman 
 
 Mr. Scott, Vol. 1st class. 
 
 Second Division. 
 Commander Clarke. 
 
 Lieutenant Hamilton 
 Lieutenant Beadon 
 Lieutenant Shute 
 Mr. King, Master Actg. 
 Mr. Miller, Mate 
 
 Mr. Fitzgerald, Mate 
 Mr. Pearse, Mate 
 Mr. Read, Mate 
 Mr. Tumour, Mate 
 Mr. Crofton, Midshipman. 
 
 Third Division. 
 
 Lieutenant Coulson 
 Lieutenant Ingram 
 Mr. Christopher, Mate 
 Mr. Walker, Mate 
 
 Mr. Anderson, Mate 
 Mr. Purvis, Vol. 1st class 
 Mr. Coke, ditto 
 Mr. Lyons, ditto. 
 
 Mr. Stanley, Assistant Surgeon. 
 
 Western Division. 
 
 Commander Warren 
 Commander Belcher 
 Lieutenant Haskoll 
 Lieutenant Watson 
 Lieutenant H ay 
 Lieutenant Moorshed 
 Lieutenant D’Eyncourt 
 Lieutenant Wood 
 Lieutenant Hayes 
 Mr. Airey, Master 
 
 Mr. Tvveeddale, 
 
 Mr. Daly, Mate 
 
 Mr. Rivers, Mate 
 
 Mr. Jefferies, Mate 
 
 Mr. Le Vesconte, Mate 
 
 Mr. Egerton, Mate 
 
 Mr. Drake, Mate 
 
 Mr. St. Leger, Mate 
 
 Mr. Bryan, Mate 
 
 Mr. Brown, Mast. Assistant. 
 
 Mr. Butler (M.D.), Assist. Surg. 
 slant Surgeon. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 291 
 
 VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 Lieutenant Mackenzie, H. M. 90th regiment, Acting Military Secretary to 
 the Naval Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 Mr. Johnson, Master, H. M. ship, Conway. 
 
 Mr. G. Ramsden, Clerk, H. M. ship. Calliope, 
 
 Lieutenant Giffard, H, C. 12th regiment. 
 
 Return of Ordnance destroyed in the defences near Canton, 
 
 Guns. 
 
 Lower Battery, left bank, Macao passage 22 
 
 Upper Battery 9 
 
 Sand-bag battery, on wharf 9 
 
 Western Fort, Canton suburbs (Shaween) 10 
 
 Red Fort, opposite Canton factories 20 
 
 Dutch Folly • . 25 
 
 Sand-bag battery, above arsenal 13 
 
 Two Junks moored off Admiral’s house 15 
 
 Total .... 123 
 
 Besides those destroyed in Lin’s and the mandarin war boats. 
 
 (Signed) Tuos. Herbert, Captain. 
 
 A List of casualties in the force employed in the attack and occupation of the 
 defences of the City of Canton, on the \Qth day of March, 1841. 
 
 Lieutenant Stransham, R.M. — severely. 
 
 Calliope — two wounded slightly. 
 
 Hyacinth — two ditto : one slightly, one severely. 
 
 Modeste — two wounded slightly. 
 
 (Signed) Thomas Herbert, Captain. 
 
 To the Right Hon. the Earl of Auckland, G. C.B. ^c. ^-c. tyc. 
 
 Governor- General. 
 
 H.M.S. “Wellesley,” Bocca Tigris, 11th March, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — I have the honour to report to your lordship niy 
 arrival on the 1st instant in the Canton River, and of my having 
 joined and assumed the military command of the expeditionary 
 force on the 2nd at Whampoa Reach, where I found Commodore 
 Sir Gordon Bremer and her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, Captain 
 Elliot, with the advanced division of the fleet and transports, ex- 
 cept 200 men of the 37th Madras N. I., left at North Wang-Tong 
 as a protecting force. 
 
 2. The Commodore will have communicated to your lordship 
 he operations up to that period, embracing the capture of the 
 Bogue Forts, at either side the Bocca Tigris, on the 26th February ; 
 the forcing the barrier at the first bar, on the following day ; toge- 
 
 u 2 
 
292 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 tlier witli the assault and capture of a heavy battery which flanked 
 it, and the destruction of the ship “ Cambridge.” 
 
 3. Having unfortunately arrived too late to participate in those 
 operations, I cannot refrain from expressing my admiration of the 
 noble, daring, and judicious execution which thus reduced, within 
 a few hours and almost without loss, what were considered by the 
 Cliinese as impregnable, and what, in the hands of almost any 
 other nation, would have been nearly so. It is a great satisfaction 
 to me to find Sir Gordon Bremer speak most favourably of the 
 conduct of Major Pratt, of her Majesty’s 26th, and the troops em- 
 ployed on this occasion. 
 
 4. Having communicated with the Plenipotentiary and the Com- 
 modore, I found it was proposed to continue the operations in advance 
 the following day, (the 3rd,) by attacking the last defences on the 
 Canton river, consisting of a square stone-built fort, mounting 
 thirty-two guns, in front of which the river was barricaded by a 
 double row of strong piles firmly driven in with an intervening 
 space of about thirty feet, which the Chinese had filled, by sink- 
 ing junks and placing masses of bamboos, togetlier with timber of 
 every description. Seventeen hundred yards further up, the river 
 divides itself into two branches, forming a low, narrow island, 
 which extends to within about a mile of Canton; at the lower 
 point of this is Napier’s Fort, a regular half-moon enclosed work of 
 stone masonry, mounting thirty-six guns ; at this point the river 
 was again strongly barricaded, connecting Napier’s Fort with two 
 strong newly-constructed field works, thrown up on either bank of 
 the river by a planked platform placed over the barricade; these 
 latter works shewed embrasures of from forty to fifty guns each. 
 
 5. On the morning of the 3rd, having made my arrangements 
 with the Commodore for a conjoint attack on the enemy’s works, I 
 proceeded with him up the river in the “ Nemesis” steamer ; but 
 a communication having been made that Yu, the Quang-chow-foo, 
 was approaching, bearing a flag of truce, the white flag was hoisted 
 by her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. Captain Belcher, of the “ Sul- 
 phur,” having reported that he could perceive no persons in How- 
 qua Fort, (the before- mentioned work flanking the nearest barri- 
 cade,) I proceeded in the “ Calliope’s” boat with the Commodore 
 and Captain Herbert, when we found it had been abandoned. 
 I had it immediately occupied by the detachments of H. M.’s 26th 
 and 49th regiments, under Major Pratt. At the same time I took 
 possession of a joss house, at the opposite side of the river, (here 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 293 
 
 about 800 yards wide,) where a five-gun mud field-work had been 
 commenced, in which I placed Captain Ellis with his company of 
 the Royal Marines. 
 
 6. An armistice, until noon of the day but one following, having 
 been agreed upon, I had an opportunity of reconnoitring the 
 Chinese defences, accompanied by a party of the Royal Marines 
 under Captain Ellis. In performing this duty, I had to pass through 
 a very large and populous village, the inhabitants appeared to 
 view our approach towards Canton without tlie remotest ill-feeling, 
 and I have no doubt would have shewn me the road, could I have 
 made myself understood. 
 
 7. A further communication having been received from 
 Canton, an extension of twenty-four hours was granted to the 
 armistice, and at noon on the 6th, the time having expired, the 
 troops were landed on the left bank of the river, consisting of the 
 detachments of H. M.’s 26th and 49th regiments, under Major 
 Pratt, and the Royal Marines of the fleet, under Captain Ellis, the 
 light squadron and the flotilla getting under weigh at the same 
 time. On the first vessel passing the barrier the Chinese fired off 
 the guns in the centre battery, and retired ; the guns in the two 
 flank works, it appears, had been previously withdrawn, and these 
 defences were instantly occupied by the seamen of the fleet. Thus 
 the last defences of one of the richest towns in China, with a 
 population of upwards of one million of inhabitants, were aban- 
 doned, without a shot having been fired on our side, and Canton 
 lay at British mercy, and remains a memento of British for- 
 bearance. 
 
 8. Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary having forwarded me the ac- 
 companying letter, (No. 1,) the troops were re-embarked. On 
 the receipt of the letter (marked No. 2) arrangements were made 
 for the transports to fall down the river, and rendezvous here. All 
 the forts have been destroyed by the indefatigable exertions of the 
 seamen, the guns rendered unserviceable, and the barricades have 
 been mostly removed, leaving open the free navigation of the river 
 between Canton and Macao. 
 
 9. Major-General Burrell and the staff arrived three days back, 
 and all the force from Chusan, with the exception of the Bengal 
 Volunteers, has reached this river. I am using every exertion for 
 the military occupation of North Wang-Tong, and when com- 
 pleted, or in a forward state, the fleet will proceed to the island of 
 Hong Kong, which it is the intention of her Majesty’s Plenipo- 
 tentiary to occupy. 
 
294 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 10. I shall not fail, when the troops are assembled at Hong- 
 Kong, to give my earnest attention to their location, so as to re- 
 establish, by every means within my power, their health, and fit 
 them for ulterior operations ; no want of supplies need, I conceive, 
 be apprehended, nor do I believe, from all I can learn, that any 
 exertions on the part of the Chinese authorities can prevent their 
 being procured. 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient 
 humble servant, 
 
 H. Gough, Major-General, 
 
 Commanding the Expeditionary Force. 
 
 Republished by order of the Right Hon. the Governor in 
 Council. 
 
 Robert Clerk, 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 
 IX. 
 
 PROCLAMATION. 
 
 By Charles Elliot, her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary 
 in China, 
 
 A PROCLAMATION. 
 
 People of Canton ! — Your city is spared, because the great 
 sovereign of Great Britain has commanded the high English officers 
 to remember that the good and peaceful people must be tenderly 
 considered. 
 
 But if the high officers of the Celestial Court offer the least ob- 
 struction to the British forces in their present stations, then it will 
 become necessary to answer force by force, and the city may 
 suffer terrible injury. And if the native merchants be prevented 
 from buying and selling freely with the British and foreign mer- 
 chants, then the whole trade of Canton must be immediately 
 stopped. The high officers of the English nation have faithfully 
 used their best efforts to prevent the miseries of war, and the re- 
 sponsibility of the actual state of things must rest on the heads of 
 the bad advisers of the Emperor. Further evil consequences can 
 only be prevented by wisdom and moderation on the part of the 
 provincial government. 
 
 Dated off the Fort of Espumeo, near to Canton, 
 
 Cth March, 1841. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 295 
 
 X. 
 
 GENERAL ORDERS. 
 
 Head-quarters, Marion, Canton River, May 24tli. 
 
 1. The period has now arrived, so long looked for by the military 
 portion at large of the China expedition, when it may have an op- 
 portunity, in co-operation with our gallant associates of the royal 
 navy, of proving what can be effected by discipline and bravery. 
 
 2. Major-General Gough feels a confident assurance that every 
 man will do his duty, that he will have the gratifying task, not 
 only of recording and bringing to notice acts of gallantry, but 
 (what is of infinitely more consequence in the present instance, and 
 will afford stronger proof of devotedness to our country’s honour 
 and our professional character) of unshaken discipline and unde- 
 viating attention to the orders issued by the officers in the com- 
 mand of columns of attack. 
 
 3. The nature of the position to be carried, and the probable 
 necessity of subdividing the foree into separate eolums of attack, 
 which may be led through the town and suburbs, make it the 
 more necessary to enforce the most rigid discipline, and to guard 
 against any man leaving the ranks upon any pretence whatever. 
 The man who does so will most probably be eut off ; but even 
 should he escape, his name should be branded as a disgrace to his 
 corps. 
 
 4. The Chinese system is not one to which the British soldier is 
 accustomed, but if the Chinese have not bravery and discipline, 
 they have cunning and artifice. They have had ample time to 
 prepare, and we may be well assured that their system of stratagem 
 will be called into full play on the present occasion. But though 
 such a system may be effectual against a mob, which every broken 
 body is, it must fail before the steady advance of disciplined 
 soldiers. The Major-General will only add, that Britain has gained 
 as much of fame by her mercy and forbearance, as by the gal- 
 lantry of her troops. An enemy in arms is always a legitimate foe, 
 but the unarmed, or the supplicant for mercy, of whatever country 
 or whatever colour, a true British soldier will always spare. 
 
 5. The troops will be prepared with cooked provisions for two 
 days, to land this day at twelve o’clock, in two columns. 
 
 (Signed) A. S. H. Mountain, Lieut-Col., D.A.G. 
 
296 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 XI. 
 
 GENERAL ORDERS. 
 
 Head Quarters, Choultry Plain, 25th August, 1841. 
 
 The following general orders by the right honourable the 
 Governor in Council having been addressed to the officer command- 
 ing the army in chief, Major-General Sir R. Dick has much gra- 
 tification in publishing to the army the sentiments expressed by 
 the highest authorities in India upon a series of brilliant operations, 
 in which the Artillery, Sappers and Miners, and 37th regiment N.I. 
 of this presidency, have contributed to success which is so honour- 
 able to the united services engaged. 
 
 Upon Captain Duff, 37th regiment N.I., Captain Anstruther of 
 the Artillery, and Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Cotton of the En- 
 gineers, has devolved the honour of commanding in their respec- 
 tive corps those officers and men who have so creditably upheld 
 the established reputation of the army to which they belong. 
 
 The Major-General notices with much pleasure the praise that 
 has been bestowed upon the steady bravery of the C. company 
 37th regiment N.L, under command of Lieutenant Hadfield, who, 
 with Lieutenant Devereux, Ensign Berkeley, Subadar Shaik 
 Homed, and a band of sixty-six brave non-commissioned and 
 Sepoys, repulsed the repeated attacks of superior numbers of 
 Chinese. 
 
 General Orders hy the Right Honourable the Governor in Council. 
 
 Fort St. George, 20th August, 1841. 
 
 No. 148 of 1841. — The right honourable the Governor in Council, 
 in promulgating to the army of this presidency the following noti- 
 fication in the secret department by the right honourable the 
 Governor-General of India in council, has much gratification in 
 publishing at the same time a dispatch to the address of his lord- 
 ship from Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B., commanding 
 the forces in China. The high testimony borne by so distin- 
 guished an officer to the soldierly qualities of the detachments of 
 Madras troops which have the good fortune to be employed on 
 service in China, will be as gratifying to the army at large as it is 
 honourable to those upon whom the well-merited praise has been 
 bestowed. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 297 
 
 To the Right Hon. Lord Elphinstone, G. C. H., ^c. ^c, ^c. 
 
 Head Quarters, Ship “ Marion,” off the Bocca Tigris, June 6, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — My public despatch to the Governor-General will 
 communicate the operations of this force before Canton, from the 
 24th of May to the 1st of June, but I cannot permit that despatch 
 to go forward without conveying to your lordship, as head of the 
 government of Madras, the high sense I entertain of the gallantry^ 
 and exemplary conduct of that portion of the Madras army, 
 which forms a part of this force. 
 
 The practice of the two companies of the Madras Artillery was 
 most creditable, and their indefatigable exertions in getting the 
 guns and ammunition to the heights, called for my best thanks. 
 I feel it a duty to assure your lordship, that Captain Anstruther, 
 and every officer, non-commissioned officer, and Lascar, most cre- 
 ditably did their duty. 
 
 To Captain Cotton, senior engineer officer, my best thanks are 
 due ; and it has afforded me no small gi’atification to record these 
 sentiments in my public despatch, as also the expression of my 
 thanks to every officer of Engineers present, from whom I received 
 the most ready assistance. The two companies of Sappers merited 
 and received my warmest approval. 
 
 I feel peculiar pleasure in bringing to your lordship’s notice 
 the spirited and steady conduct of the three companies of the 37tli 
 M. N. I., under Captain Duff. It fell to the lot of one company, 
 under Lieutenant Hadfield, to display these qualities in the most 
 praiseworthy manner. Having become disengaged and unable to 
 rejoin his corps during a violent thunder-storm, he w-as surrounded 
 by some thousand Chinese militia, and maintained his ground, al- 
 though, from the heavy fall of rain, the men’s arms would not go 
 off, until reinforeed by two companies of the Royal Marines with 
 the percussion locks. 
 
 Lieutenant Hadfield speaks very highly of the cheerful assist- 
 ance he received from Lieutenant Devereux and Ensign Berkeley ; 
 the latter of whom, I regret to say, was severely u-ounded. This 
 company had two Sepoys killed ; one officer, one Havildar, nine 
 Sepoys, and one Bhistie wounded. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 
 (Signed) H. Gough, Major General, 
 
 Commanding Expeditionary Force. 
 
298 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 NOTIFICATION. 
 
 Fort William, Secret Department, 7th August, 1841. 
 
 The right honourable the Governor-General of India in council, 
 having this day received intelligence of the happy result of the 
 joint operations of her Majesty’s and the Honourable Company’s 
 naval and military forces in an attack upon the Chinese forces in 
 front of the city of Canton, on the 23th and 30th of May last, is 
 pleased to direct the publication for general information of the fol- 
 lowing dispatch from Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B., 
 commanding the land forces, and extracts from a dispatch ad- 
 dressed by Captain Sir Henry Le Fleming Senhouse, K.C.H., the 
 senior naval officer of the fleet at Canton, to his Excellency the 
 naval Commander-in-Chief in India, which has been communi- 
 cated to the supreme Government. 
 
 These accounts of the brilliant successes of the British arms 
 have been received with the highest gratification by the Governor- 
 General in council, who, in expressing his admiration of the gallant 
 conduct of every portion of the forces employed in this service, 
 has deeply to lament the loss which has been sustained by the 
 death of Captain Sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse, who is reported to 
 have subsequently sunk under the fatigue and exhaustion caused 
 by his exertions in the actions with the Chinese. 
 
 The Governor-General in council is pleased to direct that in 
 honour of this victory of the British arms, a royal salute he fired 
 from the ramparts of Fort William, and at the principal military 
 stations of the army of India. 
 
 By order of the right honourable the Governor-General of 
 India in council. 
 
 (Signed) T. H. Maddock, 
 
 Secretary to Government of India. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Earl of Auckland, G. C.B., Governor- 
 General, ^c., <^c., ^c. 
 
 Head Quarters, Ship “ Marion,” Canton River, 
 
 Proceeding to Hong-Kong, June 3, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — My letter of the 18th from Hong-Kong will have 
 made your lordship aware of the temporary abandonment of the 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 299 
 
 movement on Amoy, in order to resume active operations against 
 Canton, consequent upon the constant arrival and concentration of 
 a large force from the several provinces, and other demonstrations 
 indicative of an interruption to our friendly intercourse with the 
 provincial government. 
 
 2. From the judicious and unwearied exertions of Sir Le Flem- 
 ing Senhouse, the senior naval ofRcer, the fleet of men-of-war and 
 transports were prepared to sail on the 18th, but in consequence of 
 light and variable winds, the whole did not get under weigh until 
 the 19th. H. M. S. “ Blenheim” took up her position within six miles 
 of Canton, in the Macao passage, on the 21st ultimo, but the whole 
 of the force was not assembled until the morning of the 23rd, 
 when I proceeded, with Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, to the vicinity of 
 the suburbs of the city, for the double object of meeting her 
 Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, and ascertaining, as far as possible, the 
 extent of the enemy’s preparations. 
 
 3. It being the anxious wish, both of Sir Le Fleming Senhouse 
 and myself, to commence active operations on so auspicious an 
 epoch as the anniversary of the birth of our Sovereign, every 
 exertion was made, and the troops were placed, by 2 p.m. on that 
 day, in various craft, procured during the previous day and night 
 by the great exertions of the royal navy. 
 
 4. From all the sources from which I had been enabled to 
 collect information, or rather from the conjectures of persons who 
 have long resided in China, (for no European had been permitted 
 to see the country above the factories, and the Chinese would give 
 no information,) I was induced to decide on making my principal 
 point of debarkation to the north-west of the city, while another 
 column was to take possession of the factories, drawing the atten- 
 tion of the enemy to that quarter, and at the same time to co- 
 operate with the naval force which was to attack the river defences, 
 in order to silence numerous new works, recently erected by the 
 Chinese, along the whole southern face of the city. A most spi- 
 rited and judicious reconnoissance made by Captain Belcher, of 
 H. M. S. “ Sulphur,” the previous evening, established the prac- 
 ticability of effecting a landing at the point I had selected. 
 
 5. Every arrangement having been completed by two o’clock, 
 and the boats and other craft placed in tow of the steamers, the 
 force moved to the point of attack as follows : — 
 
300 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 Right column to attack and hold the factories, in tow of the Atalanta, 
 consisting of her Majesty’s 26ih regiment, as below ;* an officer and 
 20 rank and file of the Madras Artillery, with one 6-pounder, and 
 one 5|^-inch mortar, and thirty Sappers, with an officer of Engineers, 
 under Major Pratt, of II. M. 26th. 
 
 Left column — towed by the Nemesis, in four brigades, to move left in front. 
 
 Other 
 
 Officers. ranks. 
 
 /'H. M. 49th, commanded by Major 
 
 4th (left) brigade un- Stephens 28 — 
 
 der Lieu t.- Colonel -( 37th M. N. I., Captain Duff . . 11 — ■ 
 
 Morris, 49th regt. One company Bengal Volunteers, 
 
 ( Captain Mee 1 — 
 
 3rd (Artillery) bri- f Royal Artillery Lieutenant Spencer 2 — 
 
 gade, under Capt. Madras Artillery, including gun 
 Knowles, R.A. C Lascars, Captain Anstruther . . 10 — 
 
 Sappers and Miners, Capt. Cotton 4 — 
 
 Ordnance: four 12-pounder howitzers — four 9-pounder 
 field guns — two 6-pounder ditto— three S^-inch mor- 
 tars — one hundred and fifty-two 32-pounder rockets. 
 
 2nd naval brigade un- r 1st naval battalion, Captain Mait- 
 
 der Captain Bour-j land, H. M. S. Wellesley . . 11 — 
 
 elder, H. M. S.) 2nd naval battalion, Com. Barlow, 
 
 Blonde. I H. M. S. Nimrod 16 — 
 
 1 St (right) brigade (re- r Royal Marines, Captain Ellis . . 9 — 
 
 serve) under Major 2 18th Royal Irish, Lieutenant-Col. 
 
 General Burrell. C Adams • . . 25 — 
 
 273 
 
 219 
 
 114 
 
 33 
 
 231 
 
 137 
 
 172 
 
 231 
 
 372 
 
 494 
 
 6. The right column reached its point of attack before 5 p.m., 
 and took possession of the factories, when Major Pratt made the 
 necessary arrangements for strengthening his post, holding his men 
 ready for offensive or defensive operations. 
 
 7. The left column towed by the “ Nemesis,” from the diffi- 
 culties of the passage, with such a fleet of craft as she had in tow, 
 did not reach the “ Sulphur” until dusk, which vessel Captain 
 Belcher had judiciously anchored close to the village of Tsing-hae, 
 the point of debarkation, about five miles by the river line above 
 the factories. I could therefore only land the 49th regiment, with 
 which corps I made a reconnoissance to some distance, meeting a 
 few straggling parties of the enemy. After placing the picquets, 
 the corps fell back on the village of Tsing-hae to protect and cover 
 the landing of the guns, which was effected during the night, by 
 the zealous efforts of the artillery. The following morning the 
 remainder of the column landed, and the whole proceeded soon 
 after daylight. 
 
 8. The heights to the north of Canton, crowned by four strong 
 
 * Officers, 15 j other ranks, 294. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 301 
 
 forts, and the city walls, which run over the southern extremity of 
 these heights, including one elevated point, appeared to be about 
 three miles and a half distant; the intermediate ground, undulating 
 much, and intersected by hollows under wet paddy cultivation, en- 
 abled me to take up successive positions, until we approached 
 w ithin range of tlie forts on the heights and the northern face of 
 the city walls. I had to wait here some time, placing the men 
 under cover, to bring up the Rocket Battery and Artillery. 
 
 9. I have already informed your lordship that I was totally un- 
 acquainted with the country which I had to pass over, the amount 
 of the enemy’s force, or the difficulties that might present tliem- 
 selves at every step; but I had the proud consciousness of feeling 
 that your lordship had placed under me a band, whom no disparity 
 of numbers could dishearten, and no difficulty could check. They 
 nol)ly realized by their steadiness under fire, their disciplined ad- 
 vance, and their animated rush, my warmest anticipations. 
 
 10. Having, at 8 o’clock, got up the rocket battery, with two 
 5P-inch mortars, tw'o 12-pounder howitzers, and two 9-pounder 
 guns, a w'ell directed fire was kept up on the two western forts, 
 which had much annoyed us by a heavy fire. I now made the 
 disposition for attack in Echellon of columns from the left, and 
 directed the 49th regiment to carry a hill on the left of the nearest 
 eastern fort, supported by the 37th Madras Native Infantry and 
 Bengal Volunteers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, of the 49th 
 regiment. The 18th Royal Irish, supported by the Royal Ma- 
 rines, under Major-General Burrell, I directed to carry a hill to 
 their front, which was strongly occupied, and flanked the approach 
 to the fort just mentioned. This movement was to cut off the 
 communication between the two eastern forts, and cover the ad- 
 vance of the 49th in their attack and storm of the nearest. Ma.jor- 
 General Burrell had directions to push on and take the principal 
 square fort, when the 49th made their rush. Simultaneous wdth 
 these attacks, the brigade of seamen was to carry the tw'o western 
 forts, covered by a concentrated fire from the whole of the guns 
 and rockets. 
 
 11. During the whole of the advance, my right had been 
 threatened by a large body of the enemy, which debouched from 
 the western suburbs, and, just as I was about to commence the 
 attack, a report was made that heavy columns were advancing on 
 the right, I w'as therefore compelled to detach the Marines, under 
 
302 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Captain Ellis, to support the brigade of seamen, and to cover my 
 right and rear. 
 
 12. At about half-past nine o’clock, the advance was sounded, and 
 it has seldom fallen to my lot to witness a more soldier-like and 
 steady advance, or a more animated attack. Every individual, 
 native as well as European, steadily and gallantly did his duty. 
 The 18th and 49th were emulous which should first reach their 
 appointed goals ; but, under the impulse of this feeling, they did 
 not lose sight of that discipline which could alone ensure success. 
 The advance of the 37th M. N. I. and Bengal Volunteers, in sup- 
 port, was equally praiseworthy. 
 
 13. The result of this combined movement was that the two 
 forts were captured with comparatively small loss, and that, in 
 little more than half an hour after the order to advance was given, 
 the British troops looked down on Canton, within 100 paces of its 
 walls. 
 
 14. The well-directed fire of the artillery in the centre was 
 highly creditable, and did great execution. 
 
 15. In co-operation with these attacks, I witnessed, with no 
 ordinary gratification, the noble rush of the brigade of seamen, 
 under their gallant leader. Captain Bourchier, exposed to a heavy 
 fire from the whole of the north-western rampart. This right 
 attack was equally successful ; and here also the British standard 
 proudly waved on the two western forts, while the British tars 
 looked down upon the north-western face of the city and its 
 suburb. 
 
 16. During the greater part of the day, a very spirited fire from 
 heavy pieces of ordnance, ginjals, and matchlocks, was kept up on 
 the different columns occupying the heights and forts. 
 
 17. A strongly entrenched camp of considerable extent, occu- 
 pied apparently by about four thousand men, lay to the north-east 
 of the city, upon rising ground, separated by a tract of paddy 
 land from the base of the heights. Frequent attacks were made 
 upon my left by bodies sent from this encampment, but were as 
 frequently repulsed by the 49th. This, however, exposed the men 
 to a heavy fire from the walls of the city. 
 
 18. About two o’clock, perceiving that mandarins of consequence 
 were joining this force from the city, and had occupied a village 
 in rear of my left, I directed the 49th to dislodge them. This 
 was instantly effected in the same spirited manner that had marked 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 303 
 
 every movement of this gallant corps. About three o’clock, it was 
 evident that some mandarin of high rank had reached the encamp- 
 ment, (I have since understood that it was Y ang, the Tartar general,) 
 and that preparations were making for a fresh attack. I ordered 
 down the 18th, therefore, with one company of the Royal Marines, 
 to reinforce the 49th, and directed Major-General Burrell to 
 assume the command, to repel the projected attack, and instantly 
 to follow up the enemy across a narrow causeway, the only approach, 
 and take and destroy the encampment. This duty was well and 
 gallantly performed, but I regret to say with rather severe loss from 
 the difficulty of approach, exposed to a heavy fire from the guns and 
 ginjals on the north-east face of the city wall. The enemy were 
 driven at all points and fled across the country; the encampment was 
 burnt ; the magazines, of which there were several, blown up ; and 
 the permanent buildings of considerable extent set on fire. I had as 
 much pleasure in witnessing, as I have in recording, my approval of 
 the spirited conduct of Captain Grattan, who commanded the two 
 leading companies of the 18th, across the causeway. These com- 
 panies were closely followed by the 49th, the remainder of the 
 18th, and company of the Royal Marines, who passed along a 
 bank of the paddy fields to their left. The enemy not appearing 
 inclined to move out of the town to support this point, I directed 
 the force to return to the heights. 
 
 19. Having reconnoitred the walls and gates, I decided on taking 
 the city by assault, or rather upon taking a strong fortified height 
 of considerable extent within the city wall, before the panic ceased, 
 but the hill in our rear being peculiarly rugged, and its base diffi- 
 cult of approach, on account of the narrowness of the path be- 
 tween wet paddy fields, I had only been enabled to get up a very 
 few of the lightest pieces of ordnance and a small proportion of 
 ammunition. I therefore deemed it right to await the arrival of 
 this necessary arm to make the assault. 
 
 20. The following morning, the 26th, at 10 o’clock, a flag of 
 truce was hoisted on the walls, wdien I deputed Mr. Thom (whom 
 Captain Elliot had sent to me as interpreter) to ascertain the 
 cause. A mandarin stated that they wished for peace. I had it 
 explained that, as General commanding the British, I would treat 
 with none but the General commanding the Chinese troops — that 
 we came before Canton much against the wishes of the British na- 
 tion, but that repeated insults and breaches of faith had compelled 
 us to make the present movement, and that I would cease from 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 3 04 
 
 hostilities for two hours, to enable their general to meet me and 
 Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, who kindly accompanied me throughout 
 the whole operation, and to whose judicious arrangements and un- 
 ceasing exertions for the furtherance of the united services (and 
 I am proud to say they are united in hand and heart) I cannot too 
 strongly express my sense of obligation. I further explained that 
 Captain Elliot, her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, was with the ad- 
 vanced squadron to the south of the city, and that if I did not re- 
 ceive a communication from him, or had not a satisfactory interview 
 with the general, I should, at the termination of the two hours, 
 order the white flag to be struck. 
 
 21. As the general did not make his appearance, although nu- 
 merous messages were received between this time (about noon) and 
 
 4 P.M., I hauled down the white flag. The enemy, however, did 
 not, which was rather convenient, as it enabled me to get up my 
 guns and ammunition, without exposing my men to fire. 
 
 22. During the night of the 26th, everything was prepared on 
 our side, with the exception of one 12-pounder howitzer, the car- 
 riage of which had been disabled ; the guns, by the indefatigable 
 exertion of the officers and men of the Royal Artillery and Madras 
 Artillery and Sappers, were placed in position. All was ready, 
 and the necessary orders were given for opening the batteries at 
 7 o’clock on the morning of the 27th, and for the assault at 8, in 
 four columns. 
 
 23. The right column, composed of the Royal Marines, under 
 Captain Ellis, had directions to pass through a deserted village to 
 the right of the north gate, to blow the gate open with powder 
 bags, if possible, and if not, to escalade a circular work thrown up 
 as a second defence to that gate. 
 
 24. The second column on the right, consisting of the brigade 
 of seamen, under Captain Bourchier, was directed to make the 
 assault, by escalade, on the opposite side of the circular defence, 
 where the wall appeared comparatively low, covered by a heavy 
 fire of musketry from the hill, within pistol-shot of the w’alls. This 
 column would have been exposed only to the fire of a few flanking 
 guns, which I calculated would have been kept under by the fire 
 of the covering pai’ty. 
 
 25. The 18th Royal Irish, under Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, 
 w'ere ordered to advance from the rear of a hill close to the five- 
 storied pagoda, and to escalade the walls behind this pagoda, (which 
 was not flanked except by one gun,) although they were very high. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 305 
 
 from twenty-eight to thirty feet, but I hoped, by the concentrated 
 fire of the guns, to have reduced an exceedingly high and appa- 
 rently slight parapet. The escalade of this corps was to be covered 
 by the Bengal Volunteers, and a company of the 37th M. N. I. 
 
 26. The left assault was to be made by the 49th, under Lieut. - 
 Colonel Morris. This corps was directed to escalade by a bastion 
 directly in front of, and commanded by, the principal fort in our 
 possession, called by the Chinese, Yung-Kang-Tai, the fire of mus- 
 ketry from which would have prevented the enemy from making 
 use of their guns. To strengthen this attack, two companies of 
 the 37th M. N. I. were to occupy the heights, and keep up a rapid 
 fire upon the wall. 
 
 27. The ground was peculiarly favourable for these several 
 attacks, and for the effective fire of the covering parties, without a 
 chance of injuring the assailants. The heights which we occupied 
 are from 90 to 250 paces from the city wall, with a precipitous 
 glen intervening. On making a lodgment on the walls, each column 
 was to communicate with and support that on its inner flank, and, 
 when united, to make a rush for the fortified hill within the walls, 
 on which the artillery was directed to play from the moment the 
 advance was sounded. I directed Captain Knowles to ascertain, 
 as far as practicable, by the fire of heavy rockets and shells, whether 
 it was mined, which alone I apprehended — the Chinese usually 
 forming their mines so as to make them liable to explosion by such 
 means. 
 
 28. The flags of truce still appeared upon the walls at daylight 
 on the 27th, and at a quarter past six o’clock I was on the point of 
 sending the interpreter to explain that I could not respect such a 
 display after my flag had been taken down, and should at once 
 resume hostilities. At this moment, an ofiBcer of the royal navy, 
 wlio had been travelling all night, having missed his way, handed 
 me the accompanying letter from her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. 
 Whatever might be my sentiments, my duty was to acquiesce — 
 the attack, which was to have commenced in forty-five minutes, 
 was countermanded, and the feelings of the Chinese were spared. 
 Of the policy of the measure I do not consider myself a competent 
 judge ; but I say feelings, as I would have been responsible that 
 Canton should be equally spared, with exception of its defences, 
 and that not a soldier should have entered the town further than 
 the fortified heights within its walls. 
 
 29. At ten o’clock, Yang, the Tartar general, requested a con- 
 
 x 
 
306 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 ference, when Sir Le Fleming Senhouse accompanied me, and a 
 long and uninteresting parley ensued, in which I explained that 
 her INIajesty’s Plenipotentiary having resumed negotiations with 
 the local authorities, I should await a further communication from 
 him. At twelve. Captain Elliott arrived in camp, and all further 
 active operations ceased. 
 
 30. The following day, at twelve, in a conference with the 
 Kwang-chow-foo, under the walls, every arrangement was made 
 for the evacuation of the city, by as large a portion of the Tartar 
 troops as could be got ready, and I permitted a mandarin of rank 
 to pass through my lines to procure quarters for them. I was 
 now given to understand that the force amounted to 45,000 men 
 from other provinces, exclusive of the troops belonging to the 
 Quang-Tung province. At the request of Captain Elliot, I 
 acquiesced in the former passing out of the N. E. gate, to the left 
 of my position, and permitted them to carry away their arms and 
 baggage, on condition that no banner should be displayed, or 
 music sounded. 
 
 31. About twelve the following day, I perceived numbers of 
 men, apparently irregulars, and armed for the most part with 
 long spears, shields, and swords, collecting upon the heights, 
 three or four miles to my rear. As they continued rapidly to 
 increase, detaching bodies to their front, I directed General 
 Burrell to take charge of our position, and hold every man ready, 
 in case a sortie, or other act of treachery, under cover of a flag of 
 truce, should be intended ; and I advanced with a wing of the 
 26th, (which corps I had withdrawn two days previously from 
 the factories,) three companies of the 49th, the 37th Madras 
 N. I., and the company of Bengal Volunteers, supported by the 
 Royal Marines. The two latter corps I kept in reserve, ready to 
 return, and act on the flank, should an attack be made on our 
 position from the town. When I descended the heights, about 
 4000 men appeared in my front. I directed the wing of the 
 26th, under Major Pratt, supported by the 37th M. N. I., to 
 advance, and drive them from rather a strong position they had 
 taken up behind an embankment along the bed of the stream. 
 This duty the 26th and 37th performed most creditably ; 
 and as the Chinese made a rally at what appeared to be a 
 military post in my front, I directed that it should be destroyed, 
 which was instantly effected by the 26th, and a magazine, unex- 
 pectedly found in the village, blown up. These duties having 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 307 
 
 been performed without the loss of a man, the Chinese throwing 
 away their spears, and flying the moment a fire was opened upon 
 them, I directed the 49tli, Royal Marines, and Bengal Volunteers, 
 to fall back on our position, and remain with the wing of the 26th 
 and 37th M. N. I., (about 280 men,) to watch the movements 
 of the Chinese, who had retreated to a range of heights in my 
 front, having no banners, and apparently but few matchlocks 
 amongst them. Within two hours, however, from 7000 to 8000 
 men had collected, and displayed numerous banners. When I 
 first moved, 1 had ordered Captain Knowles, of the Royal 
 Artillery, to bring out a few rockets, but our advance was so 
 rapid that he did not get them up until after the repulse of the 
 first body. 
 
 32. At this moment the heat of the sun was hardly support- 
 able, and both oflticers and men were greatly exhausted. I must 
 here state, and with sincere sorrow, that Major Beecher, Deputy 
 Quarter Master General, a most estimable and willing officer, 
 whose services throughout the previous operations were as 
 creditable to him as they were satisfactory to me, fell by my 
 side from over-exertion, and expired within a few minutes. My 
 aide-de-camp. Captain Gough, was also alarmingly unwell from 
 the same cause, and I ordered him back to camp, when the enemy 
 w'ere repulsed, but hearing that the Chinese were again assem- 
 bling, he returned, and meeting the Bengal Volunteers, very 
 judiciously brought them back. 
 
 33. The Chinese having advanced in great force, some rockets 
 were fired at them, but although thrown with great precision, ap- 
 peared to have little effect, and as the approach of a thunder- 
 storm was evident, I became anxious, before it broke, to disperse 
 this assemblage, whose approach bespoke more determination than 
 I had previously witnessed. I ordered Major Pratt to attack a 
 large body who were advancing through the paddy fields on his 
 left, and to clear the hills to his front. Captain Duff, with the 37th 
 M. N. I., supported by the Bengal Volunteers under Captain Mee, 
 I ordered to advance direct to his front, and dislodge a body, which 
 had re-occupied the post that we had previously burned, and then 
 push forward and clear the hills to his front. I witnessed with much 
 satisfaction the spirited manner in which these officers executed my 
 orders, and the enemy were driven in at all points. The I’ight of 
 the 37th being threatened by a military post at the foot of the 
 hills to our right, the Bengal Volunteers dispersed the occupants. 
 
308 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 This, however, separated them from 37th M.N. I.,and perceiving 
 that this latter corps was advancing further than I intended, I re- 
 quested Captain Ommanejq of the 3rd Madras Light Cavalry, 
 (who with Lieutenant Mackenzie, of H. M.’s 90th regiment, ac- 
 companied me as amateurs, and both were most zealous and useful 
 in conveying my orders,) to direct the Bengal Volunteers to move 
 up to its support. Captain Duff meanwhile, to open his commu- 
 nication with the 2Sth on his left, had detached a company under 
 Lieutenant Hadfield for that purpose. 
 
 34. The thunder-storm w'as now most awful, and finding that as 
 our men advanced, the Chinese retired, I considered that it would 
 be injudicious to follow them further, and directed the whole to 
 fall back. The rain continued to fall in torrents, and most of the 
 firelocks had got wet ; at one time the 26th had been unable to fire 
 a single musket; this emboldened the Chinese, who, in many in- 
 stances, attacked our men hand to hand, and the 26th had fre- 
 quently to charge bodies that advanced close to them. 
 
 35. As the Chinese, even in this mode of warfare, could make 
 no impression, they retreated, and the 26th and 37th M. N. I. and 
 Bengal Volunteers fell back. Understanding from Captain Duff 
 that his detached company was with the 26th, I directed the whole, 
 after a short halt, to return to our position, and was exceedingly 
 annoyed, on the force concentrating, to find that the detached 
 company, under Lieutenant Hadfield, had never joined the 26th. 
 I immediately ordered two companies of marines, with the percus- 
 sion locks, to return with Captain Dutf to the scene of this day’s 
 contest. It gives me no ordinary gratification to say, that a little 
 after dusk they found Lieutenant Hadfield, with his gallant com- 
 pany in square, surrounded by some thousand Chinese, who, as 
 the 37th firelocks would not go off, had approached close to them. 
 The sepo\"s, I am proud to say, in this critical situation, nobly 
 upheld the high character of the native armjq by unshrinking dis- 
 cipline and cheerful obedience, and I feel that the expression of 
 my best thanks is due to Lieutenant Hadfield, and to Lieutenant 
 Devereux and Ensign Berkeley, who zealously supported him dur- 
 ing this trying scene. The last-named officei’, I regret to say, was 
 severely wounded. The marines, with Captain Dutf, fired a couple 
 of volleys into this [crowd, which instantly dispersed them, with 
 great loss. 
 
 36. At daylight, the next morning, I felt myself called upon to 
 send into the city, and inform the Kwang-chow-foo, that if. 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 309 
 
 under existing circumstances, a similar insult was offered, or any 
 demonstration made, indicative of hostile interruption to the 
 negotiations pending under a flag of truce, for the evacuation of 
 the city by the Chinese troops, and a ransom for its deliverance, 
 I would at once haul down the white flag and resume hostilities. 
 At twelve, Captain Elliott joined me, and a communication was 
 received, that the Kwang-chow-foo would meet us under the 
 walls. Previous to his arrival, vast numbers of Chinese appeared 
 on the hills from which v/e had driven them the night before, 
 and which, during the early part of the morning, had been clear. 
 Guns and ginjalls were tired in all directions, various banners 
 displayed, and large parties thrown out in advance. About 7500 
 Tartar troops had marched out of the city that morning, and were 
 still moving with their arms, but, as stipulated, without music or 
 banners. I felt some doubt whether treachery was not contem- 
 plated, and I therefore made such a disposition of our troops as 
 to ensure its defeat. By two o’clock, from 12,000 to 13,000 
 men, evidently the same description of force that we had met 
 the preceding day, had assembled on the same heights, 
 
 37. The Kwang-chow-foo now arrived, and it became evi- 
 dent, as he was perfectly in my power, that no combination 
 existed between the troops in the town or those marching out, 
 and the assemblage in my rear. I therefore ordered the wing of 
 the 26th — the other wing had been left at Tsing-hae — to keep 
 up the communication with the rear, and a wing of the 49th, 
 with the 37th M. N. I., and the Royal Marines, to be prepared 
 to disperse the assailants. On joining the Kwang-chow-foo, 
 and explaining my determination to put my threat in force if the 
 enemy advanced, he assured me that this hostile movement was 
 without the knowledge, and against the wishes, of the Chinese 
 authorities ; that there were no mandarins with this militia in 
 our rear; that it had assembled to protect the villages in the 
 plain, and that he would instantly send off* a mandarin of rank, 
 (his own assistant,) with orders for its immediate dispersion, if 
 I would depute an officer to accompany him. 
 
 38. Captain Moore, of the 34th Bengal N. I., Deputy Judge Ad- 
 vocate General, volunteered this hazardous duty. This officer had 
 accompanied me as one of my personal staff throughout all the 
 operations, and he and Major Wilson, paymaster to the expe- 
 dition, who kindly volunteered to act in the same capacity, had, 
 by their zealous service, been most useful to me, in a country 
 where all my orders were to be conveyed by officers on foot 
 
310 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 through an intricate line of communication. Captain Moore was 
 quite successful, as the whole bodjr instantly retreated and en- 
 tirely dispersed, as soon as he and the mandarin had made known 
 to the leaders the object of their coming. 
 
 39. Finding that five millions of dollars had been paid, and that 
 her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary was perfectly satisfied with the 
 security for payment of the remaining million for the ransom of 
 Canton; that upwards of 14,500 Tartar troops had marched out of 
 the town under the terms of the treaty, without colours or banners 
 flying, or music beating ; that 3000 had gone by water, and that 
 the remainder were prepared to follow, when carriage was pro- 
 vided, I acceded to the wish of her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary to 
 embark the troops, the Chinese furnishing me with 800 coolies to 
 convey my guns and ammunition. These coolies being furnished 
 soon after daylight on the 1st instant, I sent all the guns and 
 stores to the rear, covered by the 26th Royal Marines, 37tli 
 M. N. I., and Bengal Volunteers, and at twelve o’clock the British 
 flag was lowered in the four forts, and the troops and brigade of 
 seamen marched out and returned to Tsinghae. 
 
 40. By the excellent arrangements, and under the active super- 
 intendence, of Captain Bourchier, of H. M. S. “ Blonde,” and 
 Captain Maitland, of H. M. S. “ Wellesley,” the whole were re- 
 embarked by three o’clock, without leaving a man of the army or 
 navy, or a camp-follower behind, and, under tow of the Nemesis,” 
 reached their respective transports that night. 
 
 41. I have now, my lord, detailed, I fear at too great length, 
 the occurrences of eight days before Canton. I might have been 
 very brief, perfect success attending every operation ; but by a 
 mere statement of the leading facts, I should not have done justice 
 to the discipline of the small but gallant band whom it was my 
 good fortune to command, and whose devotedness was worthy of a 
 better foe. 
 
 42. I have not touched upon the brilliant conduct of the royal 
 navy in their attacks and various operations to the south of the 
 city, as these will be detailed by their own chief, to whom, as I 
 have said, I cannot too strongly express my obligations. 
 
 43. In a body, where all have done their duty nobly and 
 zealously, it would be invidious to particularize : I will, however, 
 entreat your lordship’s favourable notice of the commanding offi- 
 cers of brigades and corps, from whom I have received the most 
 able assistance, and to whom my best thanks are due. To Major- 
 General Burrell, commanding the right brigade, who was zealously 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 31 1 
 
 \ 
 
 supported by Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, commanding 18tli Royal 
 Irish, and Captain Ellis, commanding the Marine Battalion ; to 
 Captain Bourchier, of H. M. S. “ Blonde,” commanding the bri- 
 gade of seamen, supported most ably by Captain Maitland, of 
 H. M. S. “ Wellesley,” and Captain Barlow, H. M. S. “ Nimrod;” 
 to Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, commanding the left brigade, whose 
 good fortune it was first to carry the heights and place the colours 
 of the 49th in the first fort taken, gallantly seconded by Major 
 Stephens, who commanded the 49th in the first operation, and 
 Major Blythe, who commanded that corps during the latter part 
 of the day ; to Captain Duff, commanding 37th M. N. I. ; and 
 Captain Mee, commanding the Bengal Volunteers. 
 
 To Major Pratt, commanding H.M.’s 26th regiment. This 
 corps, though not at first much engaged, from the nature of its 
 position at the factories, proved on the 30th, by its spirited and 
 steady conduct, which nothing could exceed, how valuable its ser- 
 vices would have been throughout. 
 
 To Captain Knowles, of the Royal Artillery, senior officer of 
 that arm, my best thanks are due for his valuable services. Lieut, 
 the Hon. R. C. Spencer, with the detachment of Royal Artillery, 
 well supported the high character of that distinguished corps. The 
 zeal of Captain Anstruther, commanding the Madras Artillery, 
 was indefatigable, as were the efforts of every individual of that 
 valuable body in bi’inging up the guns and ammunition. 
 
 To Captain Cotton, field engineer, I feel under the greatest 
 obligations, and I experienced the most ready support from every 
 officer under him. Of one of them. Lieutenant Rundall, I regret 
 to say, that I shall probably lose the services for some time, in con- 
 sequence of a severe wound. The useful labours of the Sappers 
 called for my best thanks ; they were cheerfully prepared to place 
 the ladders for the escalade. 
 
 I feel greatly obliged to all the General Staff ; all accompanied 
 me on shore, and to their indefatigable attention in conveying 
 orders on foot, at times to a considerable distance, I was much 
 indebted. To Lieutenant-Colonel Mountain, Deputy Adjutant- 
 General, my best thanks are due, for his unwearied exertions and 
 valuable services, not only upon the present, but upon every occa- 
 sion. The exertions of Major Hawkins, Deputy Commissary- 
 General, were unceasing, and by his judicious arrangements, (and 
 those of his assistant,) the troops were amply supplied. The 
 excellent arrangements made by Dr. Grant, the officiating Super- 
 
312 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 intending Surgeon, and Medical Staff of corps, call also for my 
 acknowledgment. I beg to bring to your lordship’s particular 
 notice my aid-de-camp. Captain Gough, of the 3rd Light Dra- 
 goons, from whom I have upon this, as upon every occasion, 
 received the most active and unremitting assistance. 
 
 44. Having now conveyed my approval of the conduct of the 
 commanding officers of brigades and corps, and the heads of de- 
 partments, permit me to draw your lordship’s special attention to 
 the praiseworthy conduct of the sailors and soldiers under my 
 command, which, in my mind, does them the highest credit. 
 During the eight days this force was on shore, (and many of the 
 corps were unavoidably placed in situations where sham-shu was 
 abundant,) but two instances of drunkenness occurred ; and I 
 deem it but justice here to mention a strong fact. The soldiers 
 of the 49th, finding a quantity of sham-shu in the village they had 
 so gallantly taken, without order or previous knowledge of their 
 officers, brought the jars containing this pernicious liquor, and 
 broke them in front of their corps, without the occurrence of a 
 single case of intoxication. 
 
 45. This dispatch will be presented by Captain Grattan, whose 
 conduct I have already mentioned to your lordship, and whom I 
 have selected for this duty alone, on account of that conduct. 
 He is a most intelligent officer, and will be able to give your lord- 
 ship any further information. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 (Signed) H. Gough, Major-General, 
 
 Commanding Expeditionary Forces. 
 
 P.S. — It is with deep regret that I have to mention the loss of 
 Lieutenant Fox, of H. M. S. “ Nimrod,” a most promising young 
 officer, attached to Captain Barlow’s battalion of seamen, who fell 
 at the storm of the western forts ; Mr. Walter Kendall, mate of 
 the same ship, a very deserving officer, lost his leg, I am sorry to 
 add, at the same time. 
 
 I have the honour to forward a return of the killed and wounded, 
 and a list of ordnance captured. Of the killed and wounded on 
 the enemy’s side, it is difficult to form a correct estimate ; but the 
 Kwang-chow-foo acknowledged to me, that of the Tartar troops, 
 500 had been killed, and 1500 wounded, on the 25th of May ; 
 and I conceive that the killed and wounded on the Chinese side, 
 upon the 30th, and in the different attacks made upon my flanks 
 and line of communication, must have been double those numbers. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 313 
 
 To His Excellency Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B., and 
 Captain Sir H Le Fleming Senhouse, K.C.H., ^c, ^c. 8^c. 
 
 H.M.S. “ Hyacinth,” off Canton, May 26th, 1841, 10 p.m. 
 
 Gentlemen, — I have the honour to acquaint you that I am in 
 communication with the officers of the Chinese government, con- 
 cerning the settlement of difficulties in this province, upon the 
 following conditions: — 
 
 1st. The Imperial Commissioner, and all the troops, other than 
 those of the province, to quit the city within six days, and remove 
 at a distance exceeding sixty miles. 
 
 2nd. Six millions of dollars to be paid in one week for the use 
 of the crown of England, — one million payable before to-morrow 
 at sunset. 
 
 3rd. British troops to remain in their actual positions till the 
 whole sum be paid ; no additional preparations on either side ; but 
 all British troops and ships of war to return without the Bocca 
 Tigris as soon as the whole be paid. Wang-Tong also to be 
 evacuated, but not to be re-armed by the Chinese government, 
 till all the difficulties are adjusted between the two governments. 
 
 4th. The loss occasioned by the burning of the Spanish brig, 
 “ Bilbaino,” and all losses occasioned by the destruction of the 
 factories, to be paid within one week. 
 
 For the purpose of completing this arrangement, I have to re- 
 quest that you will be pleased to suspend hostilities till noon. 
 
 I have the honour to remain, &c. 
 
 (Signed) Charles Elliot, 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. 
 
 To His Excellency Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B., and 
 Captain Sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse, Knt., K.C.H., ^c. S^c. ^c. 
 
 H.M.S. “ Hyacinth,” off Canton, 27th May, 1841, three, p.m. 
 Gentlemen, — Herewith I have the honour to transmit to you 
 an English version of the arrangement this day concluded with 
 the officers of the Chinese government, and also of the full autho- 
 rity given to the Kwang chow-foo to act for their Excellencies. 
 
 I shall take an early opportunity of communicating with you 
 again upon this subject. 
 
 And I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 (Signed) Charles Elliot, 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. 
 
314 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Terms of Agreement granted to the Officers of the Chinese Government, 
 resident within the city of Canton, on the 2Tth May, 1841. 
 
 1. It is required, that the three Imperial Commissioners, and 
 all the troops, otlier than those of the province, quit the city 
 within six days, and proceed to a distance of upwards of sixty 
 miles. 
 
 2. Six millions of dollars to be paid in one week, for the use of 
 the crown of England, counting from the 27th May ; one million 
 payable before sunset of the said 27th day of May. 
 
 3. For the present, the British troops to remain in their actual 
 positions : no additional preparations for hostilities to be made on 
 either side. If the whole sum agreed upon be not paid within 
 seven days, it shall be increased to seven millions ; if not within 
 fourteen days, to eight millions ; if not within twenty days, to 
 nine millions. When the whole shall be paid, all the British 
 forces to return without the Bocca Tigris, and Wang-Tong and 
 all fortified places within the river to be restored, but not to be 
 re-armed till all affairs are settled between the two nations. 
 
 4. Losses occasioned by the plunder of the factories, and by 
 the destruction of the Spanish brig “ Bilbaino,” in 1839, to be 
 paid within one week. 
 
 5. It is required that the Kwang-chow-foo shall produce full 
 powers to conclude this arrangement, on the part of the three 
 Commissioners, the General of the Tartar garrison, the Governor- 
 General, and the Fooyuen of Kwantung. 
 
 (Seal of the Kwang-chow-foo.) 
 
 Written the 26th, agreed to the 27th May, 1841. 
 
 (True copy.) (Signed) J. Rob. Morrison, 
 
 Acting Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 Yishan, Generalissimo — Lungwan and Yang Fang, Joint Com- 
 missioners — Atsinga, General of the Garrison — Kekung, Governor 
 of the two Kwang — and Eliang, Lieutenant Governor of Kwang- 
 tung — hereby issue instructions to the Kwang-chow-foo. 
 
 The Plenipotentiary of the English nation being now willing to 
 observe a truce, and make arrangements for peace, the said 
 Kwang-chow-foo will conduct the details of the pacific arrange- 
 ment and settlement. He is not, upon any plea, to excuse himself* 
 These are his instructions. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 315 
 
 The foregoing to the Kwang-chow-foo, thus be it. 
 
 Twankwang, 21st year, 4th month, 7th day. 
 
 L. S of the 
 
 (27th May, 1841) | 
 
 (True translation.) 
 (True copy.) 
 
 L. S. of the Joint 
 Commissioners. 
 
 L. S. of the Fuyain 
 of Kwantung. 
 
 Generalissimo. i 
 L. S. of the Governor 
 of the two Kwang. 
 
 (Signed) J. Rob. Morrison, 
 
 Chinese Secretary and Interpreter. 
 
 (Signed) J. Rob. Morrison, 
 
 Acting Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 jReturn of Killed andWounded in her Majesty's forces, at the attach on Canton, 
 from the 23rd to the. 30t/i of May, 1841. 
 
 Ships or Corps. | 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded.j 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Blenheim 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 ( 1 Off., 1 R. Ay., 1 Act. Corp. 
 i R. M., and 8 Seamen. 
 
 Wellesley 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 3 Seamen, and 3 Royal Marines. 
 
 Blonde 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 Seaman, and 1 Royal Marine. 
 
 Calliope 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 1 Seaman. 
 
 Hyacinth 
 
 0 
 
 5 
 
 2 Officers, and 3 Seamen. 
 
 Nimrod 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 2 Officers, and 4 Seamen. 
 
 Modeste 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 2 Officers, and 8 Seamen. 
 
 Columbine 
 
 0 
 
 2 
 
 2 Seamen. 
 
 Algerine 
 
 0 
 
 4 
 
 1 Officer, 2 Seamen, and 1 R. M. 
 
 Nemesis 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 1 Officer. 
 
 Madras Artillery . . 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 
 Sappers and Miners 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 
 18 th Royal Irish .. 
 
 2 
 
 19 
 
 
 26th Cameronians . . 
 
 3 
 
 15 
 
 
 49th Regiment 
 
 1 
 
 17 
 
 
 37th Native Infantry 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 
 Bengal Volunteers. . 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 
 Camp followers . . 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 Staff 
 
 1 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 112 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 Total 
 
 . . 
 
 127 
 
 
 Officers killed — Major Beecher, Deputy Quartermaster-General, 
 died from over-fatigue ; Lieutenant Fox, her Majesty’s sloop, 
 “ Nimrod,” killed. 
 
 Officers wounded — Mr.Walter Kendall, mate of “ Nimrod,” (dan- 
 gerously,) lost his leg ; Mr. W. H. Bate, mate of “ Blenheim,” 
 slightly ; Lieutenant Morshead, of “ Hyacinth,” slightly ; Mr. 
 Peter Barclay, mate of ditto, slightly ; Mr. E. Fitzgerald, mate 
 of “ Modeste,” dangerously ; Mr. W. Pearse, ditto ditto, slightly ; 
 Mr. Hall, commanding “ Nemesis,” severely burnt ; Mr. Vaughan, 
 
316 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Assistant Surgeon of the “ Algerine,” slightly ; Lieutenant Run- 
 clall, of the Madras Sappers and Miners, dangerously ; Captain 
 Serjeant, 18th Royal Infantry, severely ; Lieutenant Millard, 
 ditto, slightly ; Lieutenant Edwards, ditto, severely ; Lieutenant 
 Pearson, 49th regiment, severely ; Lieutenant Johnson, 26th 
 Cameronians, slightly ; Ensign Berkeley, 37th Native Infantry, 
 severely. 
 
 Return of Killed and Wounded on the 2^th and 30th May, before Canton, of 
 the Force under the command of Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B. 
 
 CORPS. 
 
 25th May. 
 
 30th May. 
 
 Total. 
 
 KiUed. 
 
 Womided . 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Ofificers. | 
 
 Non-Commissioned 
 Officers & Privates. 
 
 |Camp Followers. | 
 
 jOfficers. 1 
 
 Non-Commissioned 
 Officers & Privates. 
 
 Camp Followers. I 
 
 lofficers. 
 
 Non-Commissioned 
 
 Officers & Privates. 
 
 Camp Followers. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Non-Commissioned 
 Officers & Privates. 
 
 Camp Followers. | 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Non-Commissioned 
 Officers & Privates. 
 
 Camp Followers. | 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Non-Commissioned 
 
 Officers & Privates. 
 
 Camp Followers, i 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 fliadras Artillery ... 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 * 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 Sappers & Rliners... 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 18th Royal Irish ... 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 . 
 
 3 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 16 
 
 . 
 
 26th Cameronians ... 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 14 
 
 . 
 
 49th Regiment 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 - 
 
 Naval Brigade 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 13 
 
 - 
 
 Royal Marines 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 Bengal Volunteers... 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 37th Madras N.I.... 
 
 . 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 - 
 
 Camp Followers ... 
 
 - 
 
 “ 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 Total ... 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 58 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 78 
 
 4 
 
 i\T f Killed .... 91 
 
 2.5th May j Wounded ... 68 1 Killed . 14 
 
 or..K i\/r f Killed .... 5 ( Wounded 91 
 
 30th May | Wounded ... 23 J 
 
 Armine S. H. Mountain, Lieut.-Col. 
 
 Deputy Adjutant- General, Expeditionary Force. 
 
 Officers Killed and Wounded. 
 
 25th May. — Killed: Lieutenant Fox, H.M.S. “Nimrod.” — 
 Wounded : Lieutenant Rundall, Madras Sappers and Miners, dan- 
 gerously ; Mr. Kendall, mate, H.M.S. “Nimrod,” ditto; Captain 
 Serjeant, H.M. Royal Infantry, severely; Lieutenant Millard, ditto, 
 slightly ; Lieut. Edwards, ditto severely ; Lieut. Pearson, H.M. 49th 
 regiment, severely ; Mr. Bate, H.M.S. “ Blenheim,” slightly. 
 
 30th May. — Wounded : Lieut. Johnson, 26th Cameronians, 
 slightly ; Ensign Berkeley, 37th Madras Native Infantry, severely. 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 317 
 
 Return of the Ordnance mounted in the Forts on the Heights above Canton, 
 luhen stormed and captured on the 25th of May, 1841, by the forces under 
 the command of Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B., Commanding 
 Expeditionary Force serving in China. 
 
 Names of Forts. 
 
 Guns of all 
 Calibre. 
 
 Grand 
 
 Total. 
 
 Yung-Yang-Tai .... 
 
 13 
 
 1 
 
 She-Ting-Paon .... 
 
 6 
 
 1 42 
 
 Paon-Keih-Tai .... 
 
 11 
 
 Kung-Keih-Tai .... 
 
 12 
 
 J 
 
 In each fort a number of ginjals and a considerable quantity of 
 powder found. 
 
 (Signed) J. Knowles, Captain, 
 
 (True copy.) Commanding Artillery Brigade. 
 
 (Signed) Armine S. H. Mountain, Lieut.-Col. 
 
 Dep. Adj.-Gen. Expeditionary Force. 
 (True copies.) (Signed) H. Gough, Major-General, 
 
 Commanding Expeditionary Force. 
 
 Extracts from a Despatch from Captain Sir H. Le Fleming Sen- 
 house, K.C.H., S^c., to Commodore Sir J. J. Gordon Bremer, 
 C.B., and K. C.H., Commander in Chief, ^c. ^c. 
 
 Dated Heights above Canton, May 29th, 1841, continued on board 
 H.M.S. “ Blenheim,” French River, June 2nd, 1841. 
 
 I closed ray former letter with the details of our proceedings up 
 to the moment the expedition was about to leave Hong Kong for 
 Canton. I have now the gratification to enter upon the details of 
 a succession of operations, highly honourable, I trust, to her Ma- 
 jesty’s arms, and by which the large and populous city of Canton 
 has been laid in complete submission at the feet of the Queen’s 
 forces. 
 
 No overt act of hostility had taken place up to the 21st May, 
 except remounting the guns in the Shamien battery, but the 
 Chinese appear to have been perfectly ready for attack. All 
 remained quiet in the river until about eleven o’clock, p.m., when 
 an attempt was made with fire rafts to burn the advanced vessels. 
 This attack not only totally failed, but was followed up by a gal- 
 lant attack on the Shamien battery, and the silencing of it by the 
 vessels of the squadron, under the immediate superintendence of 
 Captain Herbert, of the “ Calliope,” and the destruction of a large 
 
318 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 flotilla of fire vessels, which the Chinese had been preparing, and 
 had brought out of the branch of the river wdiich leads north of 
 the town. About the same time, though later in the night, the 
 “ Alligator’' was attacked off Howqna’s Fort ; and to shew how 
 necessary it was to have been always on our guard, the fire junks 
 came up with the flood tide in a direction with the merchant 
 vessels at Whampoa, where all seemed to sleep in security. Cap- 
 tain Kiiper’s account of his prompt and decisive conduct in repel- 
 ling the attack, I have also the honour to forward, (No. 1.) 
 
 Opinions were uncertain as to the feasibility of entering the 
 northward branch of the river, and of floating at low water. To 
 determine this, I availed myself once more of the zeal and great 
 ability of Commander Belcher, who most handsomely volunteered 
 to explore it with his own boats, assisted wdth three others from 
 the “ Pylades,” “ Modeste,” and “ Algerine,” all placed under the 
 command of that gallant and judicious officer, Lieutenant Gold- 
 smith, of the “ Druid,” who was attached to the “ Blenheim,” in 
 that ship’s launch, and who had orders to protect Commander 
 Belcher in his surveying operations. 
 
 The Major-General and myself went to Canton to make a re- 
 connoissance and a personal inspection on the same day, the 23rd. 
 In our progress we observed a firing and explosions in the direc- 
 tion of Captain Belcher’s party ; and Commander Belcher’s letter, 
 a copy of which I enclose (No. 2,) gives the detail of a gallant 
 and spirited affair which took place in the creek. At eleven at 
 night, Commander Belcher returned with the gratifying intelli- 
 gence that he had discovered an excellent landing-place on a pier, 
 with water enough for the “ Sulphur,” close to it, at low water. 
 The ground directly around it rose in low hills, and a line of hills 
 appeared to continue to the height near the city, although there 
 might be swampy ground in the smalt valleys dividing them. 
 
 Our united force consisted of the ships and vessels named below,* 
 
 * Blenheim, 
 Blonde, 
 Sulphur, 
 Hyacinth, 
 Nimrod, 
 Modeste, 
 Pylades, 
 
 Calliope, 
 
 Conway, 
 
 Cruiser, \ 
 
 Columbine, 
 
 Algerine, 
 
 Starling, 
 
 Atalanta and Ne- 
 mesis steamers. 
 
 Forming the Macao 
 Fort Division. 
 
 Herald 
 
 Alligator. 
 
 s 
 
 Forming the Whampoa 
 Division. 
 
 Wellesley, at Wang-Tong, in the Bocca Tigris, sent up her marines and 160 
 seamen. 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 319 
 
 comprising, in their crews, officers, seamen, and Marines, inclusive, 
 about 3200 men, out of which about 1000 officers, seamen, and 
 Marines w'ere landed to serve with the army. The military force 
 under that gallant, distinguished, and experienced officer, Major- 
 General Sir Hugh Gough, comprised her Majesty’s 49th regiment, 
 311 in number; 37th Madras Native Infantry, 240; Bengal 
 Volunteers, 79 ; Royal Artillery, 38 ; Madras Artillery, 232 ; Sap- 
 pers and Miners, 171 ; her Majesty’s 18th Royal Irish, 535 ; and 
 her Majesty’s 26th Cameronians, 317 ; making about 2223. 
 
 Captain Herbert was stationed at Whampoa wdth the “ Calliope,” 
 “ Conway,” “ Herald,” and “ Alligator,” and was directed on the 
 24th to take the command of the force, afforded by the four ves- 
 sels under his orders, and pushing up wdth the flood-tide wdth such 
 vessels as could proceed, or with the boats of the ships endeavour to 
 take possession of and secure the arsenal. I informed him that 
 the ships near the factory would drop down and secure the Dutch 
 fort, and to keep up an enfilading fire on the face of the works 
 thrown up in front of the city, where I understood many guns 
 were mounted. I left it to his own judgment to act according to 
 circumstances, in endeavouring to drive the enemy from the French 
 fort, and to endeavour to open the communication with the ships 
 of war to the westward, and with the commanding officer of the 
 left column stationed at the factories. I beg to enclose a letter I 
 have received from Captain Herbert (No. 3^), detailing the part he 
 took in the affair that followed, where the usual gallantry and zeal 
 were displayed by her Majesty’s seamen and Royal Marines, 
 Commander Warren, with his gig’s crew, placing his colours first 
 on the walls of the French fort. Commander Warren was also 
 ordered, with the ships under his command, to take up his an- 
 chorage in line along the town from the western fort as far as the 
 factory, and to cannonade the exterior to prevent the enemy from 
 firing on the right column as it passed. After the enemy’s fire 
 had been silenced, he was to leave the “ Nimrod” and another 
 vessel to keep the enemy in check at that quarter, and to detach 
 the rest of his force to secure the Dutch fort, and to place them 
 with the “ xMalanta,” so as to enfilade the line of batteries in front 
 of the city, but he tvas not to expose his ships to the front fire of 
 the heavy guns said to be placed there until the enemy were 
 shaken in their position. 
 
 The landing of the left column was placed under his particular 
 charge, and it was not to land until he had made the signal. 
 
320 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 So effectually and vigorously did Commander Warren execute 
 these instructions, that when the right column passed his station 
 everything had been completed, and all was still. The detail of this 
 gallant affair is annexed in a copy of his letter (No. 4), where I 
 regret to observe the loss of men was more than had been ordi- 
 nary. 
 
 A return of the killed and wounded is here added (No. 5), and 
 although it may appear strange to see the wounded of the army in 
 the naval report, yet the two corps had been so entirely mingled 
 together, their services so blended, and such intimate harmony 
 has existed, that it would be difficult to make any separation be- 
 tween the acts of either, or the circumstances that concerned them. 
 The two officers who had fallen. Major Beecher, of the Indian 
 Army, Deputy Quarter Master General, a very old officer, who 
 had served ably in the Burmese war, and Lieutenant Fox, first of 
 the “Nimrod,” have united the regret of alt by their characters 
 and services. The same shot took off the legs of Lieutenant Fox, 
 and of Mr.Kendall, his shipmate, the gunnery mate of the “Nim- 
 rod the former fell a victim to his wound, the latter has sur- 
 vived amputation. I thought it would gratify Mr. Kendall to give 
 him an acting commission as lieutenant of the “ Nimrod” in 
 Lieutenant Fox’s vacancy, on the field of battle, until your plea- 
 sure is known, though his wound will disable him from doing his 
 duty perhaps for some time, and may oblige him to go home. 
 
 I have the honour to enclose lists of the officers who have been 
 personally engaged in the operations on shore, and afloat in boats, 
 but it must be remembered that the duties and the fatigues of 
 Commander Pritchard, of the “ Blenheim,” and of those who re- 
 mained on board their respective ships, were increased in the same 
 ratio as their numbers were diminished, and that the ultimate suc- 
 cess is the attainment of the whole body, each working in his par- 
 ticular sphere. The names of many will be seen who have already 
 distinguished themselves at Chuenpee, Anunghoy, Wantong, and 
 the many affairs in the Canton River, and no doubt, have already, 
 like their brother officers at Acre, been so fortunate as to secure 
 their country’s notice. Never was there a finer set of zealous, able 
 commanders. Commanders Belcher and Warren have only con- 
 tinued in that path of able and judicious service on which they 
 have so long travelled ; their own services will always attract 
 attention. Of the lieutenants. Lieutenant Joseph Pearse, Lieu- 
 tenant Goldsmith, Lieutenant Watson, Sir Frederick Nicholson, 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 321 
 
 Lieutenant Moorshead, first of their respective vessels, may, per- 
 haps, be named, without injury to all others who well played their 
 parts ; to Lieutenant Kellett, of the “ Starling,” I am much obliged ; 
 and Lieutenant Mason, of the “ Algerine,” has won his promotion 
 by a long series of gallant and brave services. I beg to acknow- 
 ledge the zeal and the assistance I have had from every captain 
 and officer of the squadron whom I have had the happiness to 
 command. 
 
 No. 1. 
 
 To Captain T. Herbert, Commanding the advanced Squadron. 
 
 H. M. S. “ Alligator,” olf Howqua’s Folly, May 22, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honour to acquaint you that last night, shortly 
 after twelve o'clock, an attack was made by the Chinese upon 
 H. M. S. “ Alligator,” under my command, by fire rafts. 
 
 They were chained in pairs, and brought down in a direct line 
 for the ships, on a flood tide. Owing to the confined position I 
 was in, and the sunken junks, and line of stakes astern, I could not 
 slip but by steering the ship ; and, by the activity of Lieutenant 
 Stewart, first of this ship, and Messrs. Woolcombe and Baker, 
 mates in command of the boats, they were towed clear, although 
 they passed within ten yards of the bows. As I had reason to 
 believe that a considerable foree was assembled in the vicinity, to 
 take advantage of any accident that might occur, I fired several 
 shot on both sides to clear the banks. No damage has been sus- 
 tained. 
 
 I have the honour to be, 
 
 (Signed) Augustus L. Kuper, Captain, (Actg.) 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 To Captain Sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse, Kt., K. C.H., Senior 
 Officer, ^c. <^c. ^c. 
 
 H. M. S. ” Sulphur,” off Canton, May 23, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — In pursuance of your directions, I proceeded up the 
 creek on the western side of Canton, in order to examine the 
 nature of the country ; our force consisting of the “ Druid’s” 
 launch. Lieutenant Goldsmith, (first lieutenant of that ship,) 
 the “ Sulphur’s” pinnace, and two cutters, “ Modeste,” “ Pylades,” 
 and “Algerine’s” cutters, the “ Starling’s” cutter, and my gig, the 
 two first-named boats carrying guns. 
 
 Y 
 
322 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 On approaching Neishang, where the boats of the squadron were 
 yesterday engaged, I observed the “ fast boats” of the enemy col- 
 lected in great numbers ; part retreated by a creek to the left, 
 but shortly after returned, and manifested a disposition to impede 
 our progress, by firing guns, and drawing up across the creek. 
 Our advance, and notice of our determination, by a round from 
 each of tlie boats carrying guns, put them to flight, and in a 
 very short period thirteen fast boats, five war junks, and small 
 craft collected, amounting to twenty-eight in all, w'ere in flames. 
 Fire rafts were in readiness on the banks of the creek, but too 
 well secured by chains, and therefore beyond our ability to 
 destroy during our short stay. 
 
 The whole force behaved with their usual gallantry, and the 
 commander of the division under my direction, (Lieutenant 
 Goldsmith,) afforded me that steady determined support which 
 so particularly distinguishes him, and which caused me to ask 
 you for his co-operation. 
 
 The enemy being posted in force on a hill above us, prevented 
 me, in obedience to your orders, from exposing my small party, 
 by an attempt to dislodge them. But I fully succeeded in effect- 
 ing my reconnoitre, by being hoisted to the mast-head of the 
 largest junk, from whence I was able to survey the whole sur- 
 rounding country. 
 
 From that examination, I am happy to acquaint you that 
 landing on solid ground is perfectly practicable. That the 
 advance to the batteries situated on the hills north of Canton, is 
 apparently easy ; and I have every reason to believe that our 
 artillery will not meet with an extraordinary difficulty. 
 
 On my return, I landed at the mandarin temple at Tsingpoo, 
 where I found sand bags and five small guns, which were spiked, 
 and thrown into the sea. This temple, with other large commo- 
 dious buildings, will afford ample quarters for the troops which 
 may first be landed. 
 
 No casualties whatever occurred. I brought out with me one 
 large fast boat of sixty oars, the boat from w'hich the mandarin 
 escaped ; and in pursuance of your separate orders, collected 
 vessels for the conveyance of 2000 soldiers. 
 
 I have the honour to enclose a list of boats and officers engaged, 
 and am, sir. 
 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) Ed. Belcher, 
 
 Commander. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 323 
 
 Return of Officers employed on the 23rd instant, offi Tsingpoo. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Hank. 
 
 Ship. 
 
 Boat. 
 
 Guns. 
 
 No. of 
 Boats. 
 
 Lieut. Goldsmith . 
 
 Lieut. 
 
 Druid 
 
 launch . 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 W. C. Wood . . 
 
 
 Sulphur . 
 
 pinnace . 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 R. M. II. Richardson 
 
 Mate 
 
 
 cutter 
 
 
 3 
 
 Jasper Sehvyn . 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 John Richards . . 
 
 Mad. Asst. 
 
 
 2‘io’ . 
 
 
 5 
 
 — Need . . 
 
 Mate 
 
 Druid 
 
 launch . 
 
 
 0 
 
 — Pearce . . 
 
 
 Modeste . 
 
 cutter 
 
 
 6 
 
 — = Purver 
 
 • . • 
 
 Nimrod . 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 — Shedden . 
 
 Mid. . . 
 
 Algerine . 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 Peter Chown 
 
 2nd Mast. 
 
 Starling . 
 
 • • • 
 
 
 9 
 
 (Signed) Edwd. Belcher, Commander. 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 To Captain Sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse, Kt., K.C.H., 
 
 <^c. ^c. ^‘c., Canton Fiver. 
 
 H.M. S. “ Modeste,’’ off Canton, 26th May, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — I received your orders of the 24th instant, a little before 
 noon on that day, and immediately proceeded with the boats and 
 INIarines of “Calliope” and “Conway,” to the “Alligator,” off 
 Howqua’s Fort, making the signal to “ Herald” to close and send 
 her boats. 
 
 I ordered Captain Kuper to move the “ Alligator” up the right 
 bank of the river, past Napier’s Fort, where he anchored her in her 
 own draught, and the boats were pushed up as far as possible, 
 without exposing them to the enemy’s fire. A little before sunset, 
 I observed the “ Algerine” moving down past the Dutch fort, and 
 she shortly anchored and engaged a battery on the Canton side, 
 which she silenced. Anxious to co-operate with her, I went a-head 
 w'ith Captain Bethune to reconnoitre, but was stopped by a shot 
 through my boat from the French fort. 
 
 I remained under cover of the Point until dark, when I sent 
 Captain Bethune with a division of boats to support her, and a 
 concerted signal having been made, I joined her with the whole 
 force at two a. m. 
 
 The arsenal being secured, I reconnoitred the line of defenee, 
 and perceived that it could not be attacked with advantage, 
 without having heavier guns in position than those of the “ Alge- 
 rine.” I therefore lost no time in ordering the other sloops 
 
 Y 2 
 
324 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 down, and at the same time put myself in communication with 
 Major Pratt, commanding H. M. 26th in the Factory. 
 
 Finding that the ‘‘ Modeste” was the only vessel likely to be 
 got across the bar, and there appearing even some doubt of her 
 accomplishing the passage, I fitted shell guns in three of the 
 captured war junks. 
 
 Captain Eyres having succeeded, by great exertion, in getting 
 getting his vessel over the bar, I this morning moved her, “Alge- 
 rine,” and the gun junks on the French fort; the enemy deserted 
 the upper defences, and about nine a. m. opened their fire 
 from the fort, which was speedily silenced. I then cleared the 
 beach by a few well directed broadsides, and made the signal to 
 advance. Captain Bethune immediately landed on shore with 
 the storming party, and the fort was carried in the most 
 gallant style. The whole line of defence, extending about two 
 miles from the Factory, — which, with the exception of the French 
 fort, had been lately constructed in the strongest manner, — has 
 been destroyed, and a communication is opened with the ships 
 at Napier’s Fort. The guns destroyed are sixty-four in number, 
 including four of 10^ inch calibre. The Dutch fort was not 
 armed. 
 
 To that excellent and able officer. Captain Bethune, I feet 
 particularly indebted ; and my best thanks are also due to Com- 
 manders Warren and Gifford, who assisted in the attack. This 
 is the sixth time I have had occasion to mention the gallant con- 
 duct of Commander Eyres. Lieutenant Mason, commanding the 
 “ Algerine,” acquitted himself entirely to my satisfaction ; and 
 both Captain Eyres and himself speak in the highest terms of the 
 assistance they received from Lieutenant Shute, and Mr. Dolling, 
 mate, their seconds in command, and all the other officers 
 and men. 
 
 Lieutenants Haskell and Hay, Senior of “ Cruiser” and 
 “ Pylades,” directed the guns in the junks with great abdity. 
 Captain Bethune speaks in the highest terms of Lieutenants 
 Watson, Beadon, Coryton, Colinson, Morshead, Hayes, Hamilton, 
 and Mr. Brown, Master ; as also of Lieutenant Hayes, of the 
 Bombay Marine, and of all the other officers and men employed 
 more immediately under his orders, a list of whom is annexed. 
 The party of Marines was commanded by Lieutenant Urquhart, 
 assisted by Lieutenant Marriott, and Lieutenant Somerville, 
 agent of transports, aided with some boats of the transports; 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 325 
 
 Lieutenant Gabbett, of the Madras Artillery, threw shells with 
 great effect from one of the junks ; and Major Pratt offered in the 
 handsomest manner to co-operate in the attack if required. 
 
 I enclose a list of vessels captured, afloat, and building. 
 
 I have the honour, &c., 
 
 (Signed) T. Herbert, 
 
 Captain of H. M. S. “ Calliope,” and Senior Officer present. 
 
 List of Officers employed on the ‘IQth May, 1841, off Canton. 
 
 Ships. 
 
 Calliope 
 
 Conway 
 
 Alligator 
 
 Hyacinth 
 
 Names. 
 
 |~Mr. Watson. . 
 
 „ D’Eyncourt . 
 ,, Brown . . 
 
 „ Daley .. . 
 
 . . „ Rivers . . 
 
 ,, Le Vescompt 
 „ Egerton 
 „ Taylor . . 
 
 Dr. Butler . . 
 
 fMr. Beadon 
 „ Coryton 
 ,, Read . 
 I ,, Kane . 
 (_ „ Forster 
 
 Mr. Stewart 
 ,, Woolcombe 
 „ Baker . . 
 
 "Mr. Moorshead 
 ,, Barclay.. 
 
 „ Osborne 
 Dr. Robertson 
 
 Cruiser 
 
 Pylades 
 
 fMr. Haskell, 
 j „ Hayes . 
 I ,, Drake . 
 t „ Bryant . 
 
 "Mr. Hay 
 “ Jeffry s 
 “ Sauley . . 
 Dr. Tweeddale 
 
 CMr. Hamilton 
 Columbine . . . . < „ Miller . . 
 
 (_Dr. Crawford 
 
 ("Mr. Cowell . . 
 
 Rattlesnake . . . ■ \ „ Waddington 
 
 [_ ,, Brodie . . 
 
 Rank. 
 
 Lieutenant, 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Master. 
 
 Mate. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 ditto, 
 
 ditto. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Asst. Surgeon. 
 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Mate. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 2nd Master. 
 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 Mate. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 Mate. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 As.st. Surgeon. 
 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Mate. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 Mate. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Asst. Surgeon. 
 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 Mate. 
 
 Asst. Surgeon. 
 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 Midshipman. 
 
 2nd Master, 
 ditto. 
 
 Voir. 1st class, 
 
326 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Lieutenant Somerville, with boats of the “ Minerva, “ Suliinany,” 
 and “ Marion.” 
 
 Lieutenants Urquhart and Marriott, of the Royal Marines, 
 “ Conway” and Alligator.” 
 
 Lieutenant Collinson, attached to the surveying department, 
 was exceedingly active in getting the ships into their positions. 
 
 (Signed) T. Herbert, 
 
 Captain and Senior Officer present; 
 
 Return of war junks and rov) boats, 8fc. found in the Chinese naval arsenal, 
 on the 27th of May, 1841. 
 
 Twelve war-junks, building ; twenty-four row boats, and twelve 
 war-junks, lying at anchor off the arsenal. A large quantity of 
 timber, gun carriages, and various stores. 
 
 (Signed) T. Herbert, 
 
 Captain and Senior Officer present. 
 
 No. 4. 
 
 To Captain Sir Humphrey Le Fleming Senhouse, Kt., K. C.H., 
 ^c. ^c. ^c. Senior Officer in the China Seas. 
 
 Her Majesty’s Sloop “ Hyacinth,’’ off Canton, May 26th, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honour to acquaint you, that immediately on 
 the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant, 1 weighed with the 
 advanced squadron, and ordered H. M.’s sloop “ Nimrod” to 
 attack the Samien Fort, on the west end of the suburbs, supported 
 by H. M.’s sloop “ Pylades her Majesty’s sloop under my 
 command being placed abreast of the English factory, to silence 
 and dislodge any troops that might be there, and also with a view 
 of covering the landing of H. M.’s 26th regiment ; her Majesty’s 
 sloops, “ Modeste,” “ Cruiser,” and “ Columbine,” taking up a 
 position to attack the Dutch Folly Fort, and to enfilade the line of 
 batteries lately thrown up in front of the city to the eastward of 
 that fort. On the ships taking up their position, three fire-vessels 
 were sent adrift, and, although the tide was running very strong, 
 by timely despatch of boats they were enabled to clear the ships 
 and tow three on shore, and set fire to the suburbs. 
 
 In the performance of this service they opened their fire on the 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 327 
 
 boats and shipping. In half an Iiour, t!ie enemy were completely 
 silenced to the eastward of the Dutch Folly Fort. After recon- 
 noitring the Factory, and finding it quite deserted, I immediately 
 ordered the preconcerted signal for H. M.’s brig “ Algerine,” and 
 “ Atalanta’’ steamer, to approach with H. M.’s 26th regiment, 
 when they landed and took possession of the Factory without the 
 slightest casualty. This service being completed, I ordered 
 Lieutenant Mason, commanding H. M.’s brig “ Algerine,” to 
 proceed to attack a fort to the eastward, which I feel much plea- 
 sure in reporting to you was done in a particularly spirited and 
 gallant style by that officer ; but perceiving the firing to be so 
 heavy from the forts, I ordered the boats of H. M.’s ships to her 
 support ; — H. M.’s sloop “ Hyacinth’s,” under Lieutenant Stewart, 
 and Mr. Peter Barclay, mate; “ Modeste’s,” Mr. Fitzgerald, 
 mate ; “ Cruiser’s,” Lieutenant Haskell, and Mr. Thomas J. 
 
 Drake, mate ; “ Pylades’,” Lieutenant Hay ; and “Columbine’s,” 
 Lieutenants Hamilton, Helpman, and Mr. Miller, mate. It is 
 gratifying to me to inform you, by half-past seven the fort of 
 eleven guns was silenced and the guns spiked, under a heavy fire 
 of ginjalls and musketry from the houses ; at the same time, I 
 regret to add, it was not done without considerable loss. It would 
 be impossible to particularize upon an occasion where every officer 
 and man engaged against an enemy defending themselves with 
 much vigour at all points, but in addition to my best thanks and 
 acknowledgments to Commanders Barlow, Eyres, Gifford, Anson, 
 and Clarke, and Lieutenant Mason, I hope you will give me leave 
 to recommend to your particular notice my own first lieutenant, 
 W. H. Moorshead, who was wounded in the hand in a personal 
 engagement with a mandarin. Lieutenant Mason, of the “ Alge- 
 rine,” speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of Mr. Dolling, 
 mate, and Mr. Higgs, second master of that vessel. I cannot 
 conclude without expressions of my approbation of the steadiness 
 of Commander Rogers, of the Indian navy, in conducting the 
 “ Atalanta” to her station. 
 
 I beg leave to attach a statement of the killed and wounded, 
 and damage sustained by the ships engaged. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c., 
 (Signed) Wm. Warren, Commander. 
 
328 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 No. 5. 
 
 General Return of Killed and Wounded in her Majesty’s forces, at the attack 
 Canton, from the 2'ird to the 30th of May, 1841. 
 
 Ship or Corps. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Blenheim 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 Wellesley 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 Blonde 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 Calliope 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 Hyacinth 
 
 0 
 
 5 
 
 Nimrod 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Modeste 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 Columbine . . 
 
 0 
 
 2 
 
 Algerine 
 
 0 
 
 4 
 
 Nemesis 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 Madras Artillery . . 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 Sappers and Miners 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 18th Royal Irish . . 
 
 2 
 
 19 
 
 26th Cameronians . . 
 
 3 
 
 15 
 
 49th Regiment 
 
 1 
 
 17 
 
 37th Native Infantry 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 Bengal Volunteers.. 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 Camp followers 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 Staff 
 
 1 
 
 0 
 
 
 15 
 
 112 
 
 15 
 
 Total . . 
 
 127 
 
 Ilemarks. 
 
 S 1 OfF.l R. A., 1 Act. Corp. R. M., 
 ^ and 8 Seamen. 
 
 3 Seamen and 3 Royal Marines, 
 
 1 Seaman and 1 Marine. 
 
 1 Seaman. 
 
 2 Officers and 3 Seamen. 
 
 2 Officers and 4 Seamen. 
 
 2 Officers and 8 Seamen. 
 
 2 Seamen. 
 
 1 Officer, 2 Seamen, and 1 R. M. 
 
 1 Officer. 
 
 Officers killed and wounded. 
 
 Killed : — Major Beecher, Deputy-Quarter-Master-General, died 
 from over-fatigue ; Lieutenant Fox, of the “ Nimrod.” 
 
 Wounded : — Mr. Walter Kendall, mate of the “ Nimrod,” (lost 
 his leg,) dangerously ; Mr. W. T. Bate, mate of the “ Blenheim,” 
 slightly ; Lieutenant Moorshead, of the “ Hyacinth,” slightly ; Mr. 
 Peter Barclay, mate of the “ Hyacinth,” slightly ; Mr. E. Fitz- 
 gerald, mate of the “ Modeste,” dangerously; Mr. Wm. Pearse, 
 ditto, slightly ; Mr. Hall, commanding the “ Nemesis,” severely 
 burnt; Mr. Vaughan, Assistant- Surgeon of the “Algerine,” 
 slightly; Lieutenant Rundall, of the Madras Sappers and Miners, 
 dangerously ; Captain Serjeant, H. M. 18th Royal Irish, severely ; 
 Lieutenant Hilliard, ditto, slightly ; Lieutenant Edwards, ditto. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 329 
 
 severely; Lieutenant Pearson, 49th, severely; Lieutenant John- 
 stone, 26th, slightly ; Ensign Berkeley, 37th, M. N. I. severely. 
 (Signed) H. Le Fleming Senhouse, 
 
 Captain and Senior Officer, China Coast, 
 (True Extracts and Copies.) 
 
 (Signed) T. H. Maddock, 
 
 Secretary to the Government of India. 
 
 (Signed) S. W. Steel, Lieutenant-Colonel, 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 
 By order of the officer commanding the army in chief. 
 
 R. Alexander, Lieutenant-Colonel, 
 
 Adjutant- General of the Army. 
 
 XII. 
 
 BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL IN COUNCIL. 
 
 Fort VVilliam, 24th Dec. 1841. 
 
 No. 289 of 1841. — The following paragraphs of a military 
 letter from the Hon. the Court of Directors to the Governor of 
 Bengal, No. 9, dated 27th October, 1841, are published for 
 general information : — 
 
 Para. 1. We have much gratification in announcing to you, that 
 her Majesty has been graciously pleased to promote the under- 
 mentioned officers of our service, by special brevet, in the East 
 Indies, for their services during the late operations near Canton, 
 their commissions bearing date the 26th May, 1841 — viz. 
 
 To be Lieutenant-Colonels — Major Roger Williamson Wilson, 
 of the 65tli regiment of Bengal Native Infantry ; Major Francis 
 Spencer Hawkins, of the 38th regiment of Bengal Native Infantry. 
 
 To be Majors — Captain Daniel Duff, of the 37th regiment of 
 Madras Native Infantry ; Captain George Augustus Mee, of the 
 58th regiment of Bengal Infantry ; Captain Philip Anstruther, of 
 the Madras Artillery ; Captain Henry Moore, of the 34th regi- 
 ment of Bengal Native Infantry. 
 
 2. The conduct of Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Frederick 
 Conyers Cotton, of the Madras Engineers, and of Lieutenant Had- 
 field, of the 37th regiment of Madras Native Infantry, is considered 
 to have entitled them to a similar distinction ; but the regulations 
 of her Majesty’s army do not admit of the grant of brevet rank to 
 subaltern officers for services in the field. The General Com- 
 
330 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 manding in Chief has, however, announced his intention of recom- 
 mending the grant of the brevet rank of Major to these two 
 officers on their attaining the regimental rank of Captain. 
 
 8. We have to express our entire approbation of the conduct of 
 the whole of our troops engaged on the above occasion. 
 
 4. In order to mark our sense of the gallantry and steadiness 
 displayed by the 37th regiment of Madras Native Infantry, under 
 most trying circumstances, we have resolved on constituting that 
 corps a Grenadier regiment. 
 
 5. We further direct, that the name of each European and 
 native commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer, and sepoy, 
 who composed the company of that regiment detached under 
 Lieutenant Hadfield, and who, by their steady courage and disci- 
 pline, successfully defeated the repeated attacks of a large body of 
 the enemy, and thus nobly sustained the credit of the native army, 
 be entered in the regimental order book of that corps, with a re- 
 cord of the transaction to which it refers. We also desire that the 
 native officers, non-commissioned officers, and sepoys of that com- 
 pany, be granted an addition to their pay and pension on retire- 
 ment, either by admitting them to the advantages of the “ Order 
 of Merit,” or in any other manner which you may consider 
 desirable. 
 
 6. You will publish in general orders our sentiments as ex- 
 pressed in this despatch. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 NOTIFICATION. 
 
 Fort William, Secret Department, 20th Nov., 1841. 
 
 The Right Honourable the Governor-General of India in 
 Council has the highest satisfaction in publishing, for general in- 
 formation, the annexed copies of despatches from the military and 
 naval commanders-in-chief of H. M. forces in China, reporting 
 the capture, on the 26th of August, of the town and fortification 
 of Amoy. 
 
 By order of the Right Flonourable the Governor-General of 
 India in Council. 
 
 T. H. Maddock, 
 
 Sec. to the Government of India. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 33 i 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Earl of Auckland, G.C.B., 
 Governor -General, ^c. ^'c. 
 
 Head quarters, ship “ Marion,” Amoy Harbour, 
 Sept. 5th, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — I am happy to be enabled to report to your lord- 
 ship the complete success of the operations against Amoy with 
 very trifling loss ; my anticipations, in regard to the preparations 
 of the enemy, have been fully realized, but I did not calculate on 
 so feeble a resistance. 
 
 1. The expedition left Hong-Kong harbour on Saturday, the 
 21st of August, but in consequence of light winds, the fleet did 
 not clear the Lemma passage until Monday the 23rd, and on the 
 evening of the 25th we arrived in the outward anchorage of Amoy, 
 a few shots only having been fired as we were running through a 
 chain of islands which form the mouth of this anchorage, and 
 most of which the Chinese had fortified. As it was blowing very 
 fresh, I could not get on board the flag-ship until the following 
 morning, when I accompanied their Excellencies Sir Henry Pot- 
 tinger and Admiral Sir William Parker, in the “ Phlegethon” 
 steamer, to reconnoitre the defences, with a view to the commence- 
 ment of immediate operations. The enemy allowed us to do so 
 without firing a shot, and the plan of attack was at once decided 
 upon, a summons having been previously sent in, requiring the 
 surrender of the town and island of Amoy to her Majesty’s forces. 
 
 2. The enemy’s defences were evidently of great strength, and 
 the country by nature difficult of access. Every island, every 
 projecting headland, from whence guns could bear upon the har- 
 bour, was occupied and strongly armed. Commencing from the 
 point of entrance into the inner harbour on the Amoy side, the 
 principal sea-line of defence, after a succession of batteries and 
 bastions in front of the outer town, extended for upwards of a 
 mile, in one continuous battery of stone, with embrasures, roofed 
 by large slabs, thickly covered with clods of earth, so as to form a 
 sort of casement, and afford perfect shelter to the men in working 
 their guns. Between some of the embrasures were embankments 
 to protect the masonry, and ninety-six guns were mounted in this 
 work, which terminated in a castellated wall, connecting it with a 
 range of precipitous rocky heights, that run nearly parallel to the 
 beach at a distance varying from a quarter to half a mile. Se- 
 veral smaller works were apparent at intervals amid the rocks. 
 
332 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 3. The entrance to the inner harbour is by a channel, about 
 600 yards across, between Amoy and the island of Koo-lang-soo, 
 upon which several strong batteries were visible, and some of 
 these flanked the sea-line and stone battery. It appeared expe- 
 dient, therefore, to make a simultaneous attack on these two pro- 
 minent lines of defence. 
 
 4. It was proposed that the two line-of- battle ships, with the two 
 large steamei’s, should attack the sea defences on the island of 
 Amoy, nearest the town, and that some of the smaller vessels of 
 war should open their fire to protect the landing of the troops, 
 which was to be effected below the angle formed by the junction 
 of the castellated wall with the sea-line, while the remaining vessels 
 should engage several flanking batteries that extended beyond these 
 works. 
 
 5. At the same time, the two heavy frigates and the “ Modeste” 
 were to run in and open their fire upon the works of Koo-lang-soo, 
 where I instructed Major Johnstone, with a company of Artillery 
 and the three companies of the 26th regiment, supported by 170 
 Marines under Major Ellis, to land in a small bay to the left of 
 the batteries, which they were to take in reverse, 
 
 6. About half-past one o’clock the attack commenced, the 
 enemy having previously fired occasional shot at the ships as they 
 proceeded to their stations. Sir William Parker will no doubt 
 communicate to your lordship the very conspicuous part taken by 
 her Majesty’s ships on this occasion, Fi’om the difficulty of getting 
 the boats collected in tow of the steamers, the troops did not land 
 quite so soon as I could have wished, notwithstanding the judi- 
 cious arrangements of Captain Gifford, of H. M. sloop “ Cruiser,” 
 who conducted the disembarkation. The 18th and 49th regiments, 
 however, landed about three o’clock, with very little opposition. 
 The former regiment I directed to escalade the castellated wall, while 
 the 49th were to move along the beach, and get over the sea-face, 
 or through the embrasures. These two operations were performed 
 to my entire satisfaction, and the greater part of these corps were 
 soon in position within the works, and rapidly moved along the whole 
 line of sea-defence, the enemy flying before them. Upon reaching 
 the outskirts of the outer town, they were joined by a party of 
 marines and seamen, whom Sir William Parker had most judi- 
 ciously landed in support, and whom I directed to occupy a rocky 
 hill in our front, in the neighbourhood of which firing was still 
 heard. This duty was promptly and ably performed by Captain 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 333 
 
 Fletcher, of H. M. S. “ Wellesley,” and Captain Whitcomb, of the 
 Royal Marines. 
 
 7. WHiile these operations were going on upon the Amoy side, the 
 island of Koo-lang-soo was ably attacked by the frigates, and the 
 troops landed. Major Ellis, with some of the Marines and Came- 
 ronians, who first landed, climbed up the rocks to the left of the 
 easternmost battery, and gallantly driving the enemy from the 
 works on the heights, which were defended with some spirit, con- 
 tinued his progress to the north side of the island, while Major 
 Johnstone, who closely followed up with the rest of the troops, 
 proceeded across it, and carried the remaining works, thus putting 
 us in possession of this very important position. Major Johnstone 
 reports that Brevet-Captain Gregg had an opportunity of distin- 
 guishing himself in driving a large body of the enemy from a 
 battery, upon which he came unexpectedly with a detachment of 
 twelve men. 
 
 8. On Amoy, a chain of steep rocky hills, running from the 
 range already mentioned transversely to the beach, still intercepted 
 our view of the city, though the outer town lay beneath my ad- 
 vanced post. The guns having been landed, by the exertions of 
 the Artillery and Sappers, and brought on far enough for support, 
 had a strong force opposed our advance, I decided upon forcing 
 the position in my front, which appeared extremely strong and 
 well calculated to be held during the night. Having made the 
 necessary disposition, I directed the 18th regiment to advance up 
 a precipitous gorge, where the enemy had two small works, while 
 the 49th were to pass through the outer town by the road to the 
 same hills, extending their left, after gaining the pass, to the works 
 above the beach, so as to open a communication with the ship- 
 ping. This movement was also executed with spirit, the enemy 
 merely firing off their guns and flying, and at dusk I found myself 
 in position close above the city, and perfectly commanding it. 
 
 9. Owing to the boisterous state of the weather, and the delay 
 in the return of the steamers, the 55th regiment had not yet 
 landed, but this was effected at daylight the following morning ; I 
 regret to say, not without loss, a boat having been swamped, and 
 five men unfortunately drowned. Thus reinforced, I pushed strong 
 parties of the 18th and 49th regiments down to the outskirts of the 
 city, in the north-eastern quarter of whicli, upon irregularly rising 
 ground, and closely surrounded by a dense mass of buildings, ap- 
 peared the walled town or citadel. Having carefully reconnoitred 
 
334 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 the place, I satisfied mj’self that, although there was a concourse 
 of people passing and repassing at the northern gate, the walls 
 were not manned. I therefore thought it advisable to take advan- 
 tage of the prevailing panic, and having sent a small party with 
 Captain Cotton, the Commanding Engineer, to reconnoitre the 
 approach to the eastern gate, which he promptly effected, I di- 
 rected, upon his return, the 18th to advance, having the 49th in 
 support, and the 55th in reserve. The advanced party of the 18th 
 escaladed the wall by the aid of ladders found on the spot, and 
 opened the east gate, which was barred, and barricaded from within 
 by sacks filled with earth and stones. The remainder of the regi- 
 ment passed through it and manned the other gates, the enemy 
 having previously abandoned the place, leaving it in possession of 
 the mob, which had already began to plunder the public establish- 
 ments. 
 
 10. I occupied the citadel with the 18th and Sappers, placing 
 the 49th regiment in an extensive building without the public 
 office of the intendant of circuit, from whence they could give 
 protection to the northern suburb, and command the communica- 
 tion to the interior by the only road on this side the island. The 
 artillery 1 placed in a commanding position upon the top of the 
 pass between the city and the outer town, with the 55th in 
 support, occupying a range of public buildings, in which the sub- 
 prefect of Amoy held his court. 
 
 11. Amoy is a principal third class city of China, and, from its 
 excellent harbour and situation, appears to be well calculated for 
 commerce. The outer town is divided from the city by the chain 
 of rocks I have mentioned, over which a paved road leads through 
 a pass, that has a covered gateway at its summit. The outer har- 
 bour skirts the outer town, while the city is bounded in nearly its 
 whole length by the inner harbour and an estuary, which deeply in- 
 dent the island. Including the outer town and the north-eastern 
 suburb, the city cannot be much less than ten miles in circumfer- 
 ence, and that of the citadel, which entirely commands this suburb, 
 and the inner town, though commanded itself by the hills within 
 shot range, is nearly one mile. The walls are castellated, and 
 vary, with the inequality of the ground, from twenty to thirty feet 
 in height ; and there are four gates, having each in an outwork 
 a second or exterior gate at right angles to the inner gate. The 
 citadel contained five arsenals, in which we found a large quantity 
 of powder, with store of material for making it ; ginjalls, wall- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 235 
 
 pieces, match-locks, and a variety of fire-arms of singular con- 
 struction ; military clothing, swords of all descriptions, shields, 
 bows and arrows, and spears, were! also found, in such quantity 
 as to lead to the conclusion that these must have been the chief 
 magazines of the province. Within the sea defences first taken 
 there was a foundry, with moulds and material for casting heavy 
 ordnance. 
 
 12. All these have been destroyed, and this so much occupied 
 my time, considering, too, how much the troops were harassed by 
 patroles to keep off Chinese plunderers, and by other duties in- 
 cident to the peculiarity of our situation, that I abandoned my 
 intention of visiting the interior of the island. These plunderers 
 flocked into the city and suburbs to the extent, as the Chinese 
 themselves reported, of many thousands, and I regret to say, that 
 several gangs penetrated into the citadel, and committed much 
 devastation. Indeed, with the prospect of leaving Amoy so soon, 
 I doubt that our marching tlu’ough the island might rather have 
 frightened away the peaceable householders, and led to further 
 plunder by the mob than have been of any advantage. Such, 
 indeed, was the audacity of these miscreants, that I was in some 
 cases obliged to fire, in order to disperse them ; but I am glad to 
 say but little loss of life occurred. 
 
 13. I am most happy to be enabled to state that the conduct of 
 the troops has been exemplary ; some instances of misconduct 
 have no doubt occurred ; but when it is considered that they were 
 in the midst of temptation, many of the houses being open, with 
 valuable property strewed about, and many shops in every street 
 deserted, but full of sham-shu, it is matter of great satisfaction 
 that these instances were so few. 
 
 14. During our stay upon the island, I did all in my power to 
 prevail upon the respectable merchants and householders, who had 
 so much at stake, to aid me in protecting property, which they 
 readily promised ; but their apprehension of appearing to be on 
 friendly terms with us was so great, that I could obtain no 
 effectual assistance from them, and was unable even to get a 
 Chinese to remain with the guards at the gates, and point out the 
 real owners of houses within the citadel, for the purpose of 
 granting them free egress and ingress. 
 
 15. Our departure being determined upon, I could take no 
 measures for permanent occupation, and as the wind was strong 
 against us, we were kept on shore four days in a state of constant 
 
336 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 watchfulness, until yesterday, at half-past two, p.m., when the pre- 
 concerted signal for embarkation was given by the Admiral. By 
 half-pastsix, every soldier and every follower had been embarked 
 (without a single instance of inebriety occurring) on board the 
 steamer which transferred the troops on board their respective 
 transports during the night. 
 
 16. The three companies of the 26th regiment have remained 
 upon the island of Koo-lang-soo, which her Majesty’s Plenipoten- 
 tiary has determined to hold for the present ; and I have strength- 
 ened Major Johnstone, who is in command, with a wing of the 18th 
 regiment, and a small detachment of artillery. This little force, 
 amounting to five hundred and fifty men, will, I trust, together 
 with the ships of w^ar also left behind, be sufficient to hold this 
 small but important possession. 
 
 17. To the commanding officers of corps and detachments, 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Craigie, 55th regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Morris, 49th regiment, and Lieutenant- Colonel Adams, 18th 
 regiment. Major Johnstone, 26th regiment, Major Ellis, Royal 
 Marines, Captain Knowles, Royal Artillery, Captain Anstruther, 
 Madras Artillery, and Captain Cotton, Commanding Engineer, 
 my best thanks are due ; and I have received the most cordial and 
 active support from the officers of the general and my personal 
 staff, Lieutenant-Colonel Mountain, Deputy Adjutant-General, 
 Captain Gough, Acting Deputy Quartermaster General, Major 
 Hawkins, Dej^uty Commissary General, Dr. French, Superintend- 
 ing Surgeon, and Lieutenant Gabbett, my A.D.C. 
 
 18. I cannot too strongly express to your lordship, in conclusion, 
 my sense of obligation to his Excellency Rear Admiral Sir Wil- 
 liam Parker, for his ready support and judicious arrangements 
 upon every occasion, as well as for having given me, at the disem- 
 barkation and embarkation, and during the whole period of our 
 stay at Amoy, the able assistance of Captain Giffard, to whom my 
 best thanks are due. 
 
 19. I have the honour to enclose a list of ordnance captured, 
 and a return of the wounded on our side, upon the 26th ultimo, 
 and have no means of correctly estimating the killed and wounded 
 of the enemy, but it must have been severe, and we know that 
 several mandarins were amongst the former. 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient 
 humble .servant, (Signed) H. Gough, Major-General, 
 
 Commanding Expeditionary Force. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 337 
 
 Retutm of Ordnance mounted on the Defences at Amoy, when stormed and 
 captured on the 26th August, 1841. 
 
 Batteries on the Island of Amoy, ex- 
 tending from the suburbs of Amoy, 
 nearly opposite the east end of the 
 Island of Colonso, along the shore 
 in a S. E. direction ; — 
 
 Gons — Brass. 
 
 No. Calibre. Length. 
 
 1 46 inches. 9 feet 5 inches. 
 
 Guns — Iron. 
 
 2 . 
 
 . 86 pounders. 
 
 1 . 
 
 . 48 — 
 
 6 . 
 
 . 24 — - 
 
 12 . 
 
 . 18 — 
 
 31 . 
 
 .12 — 
 
 4« . 
 
 . 9 — 
 
 25 . 
 
 . 8 — 
 
 12 . 
 
 . 6 — 
 
 12 . 
 
 4 — 
 
 1 . 
 
 . 3 — 
 
 1 . 
 
 Total 152 
 
 • ginjall. 
 
 The guns were all of Chinese ma- 
 nufacture, except sixteen English, 
 which were old, but without any date. 
 Five iron guns had burst when fired 
 by the Chinese. 153 iron guns, not 
 mounted, were found, principally of 
 small calibre, from 3 to 6-pounders. 
 
 Batteries on the south point of the 
 Island of Amoy. 
 
 Guns — Iron. 
 
 7 . . 18-pounders. 
 
 3 . . 16 — 
 
 10 . . 12 — 
 
 5.. 9 — 
 
 4.. 8 — 
 
 4 . . 6 — 
 
 7 . . 4 — 
 
 15 . . 10-inch howitzers. 
 
 1 . . 9-8 — 
 
 1 . . 7-1 — 
 
 1 . . 6-4 — 
 
 Total 58 
 
 The guns were all of Chinese ma- 
 nufacture, except 11 English, which 
 were old. Four iron 10-inch howit- 
 zers were found not mounted. 
 
 Batteries on the Island of Colonso. 
 No, 1, or Marine Battery. 
 Guns — Iron. 
 
 No. Calibre. 
 
 1 . . 86-pounder. 
 
 2 . . 18 — 
 
 7 . . 14 — 
 
 6 . . 12 — 
 
 Total 16 
 
 No. 2 Battery, opposite the suburbs 
 of Amoy. 
 
 3 . . ll-pounders. 
 
 7 . . 9 — 
 
 Total 10 
 
 No. 3 Battery, south side of the 
 island. 
 
 1 
 
 . . 34-pounder. 
 
 2 
 
 . . 12 — 
 
 1 
 
 . . 9 — 
 
 2 
 
 . . 8 — 
 
 2 
 
 . . 7 — 
 
 14 
 
 . . ginjalls. 
 
 Total 22 
 
 
 In this battery a subterranean ma- 
 
 gazine was 
 
 discovered, containing a 
 
 vast quantity of powder, which was 
 
 destroyed. 
 
 No. 4 Battery. 
 
 3 
 
 . . 8-pounders. 
 
 No. 5 Battery, S.W. extremity of the 
 
 
 island. 
 
 6 
 
 . . 8-pounders. 
 
 8 
 
 . . ginjalls. 
 
 Total 14 
 
 
 No. 6 Battery (quite new) on the 
 
 N.W. angle of the island. 
 
 1 
 
 . . 12-pounder. 
 
 2 
 
 . . 9 — 
 
 1 
 
 . . 8 -— 
 
 7 
 
 . . 6 — 
 
 Total 1 1 
 
 z 
 
338 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Batteries on the S. W. side of 
 the Bay. 
 
 Guns — Iron. 
 
 No. 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 12 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 Total 41 
 
 Calibre. 
 86-pounder. 
 48 — 
 
 32 — 
 
 24 — 
 
 18 — 
 
 12 — 
 
 9 — 
 
 8 — 
 
 6 — 
 
 The guns were all of Chinese ma- Total 
 
 nufacture, except four. One large Guns not mounted 
 gun had burst when fired by the 
 Chinese. 
 
 The guns were all rendered unserviceable. 
 
 (Signed) 
 
 Batteries on the Island of Little 
 Gouve, S. W. side on entering. 
 Guns- — Iron. 
 
 Calibre. 
 9-pounders. "] 
 a \ 
 
 No. 
 
 2 . 
 
 12 . . 8 * — )>Total 15 
 
 1 . . 4 — j 
 
 The guns were all of Chinese ma- 
 nufacture. 
 
 General Abstract. 
 
 Island of Amoy . . 211 
 
 Island of Golong-soo . 76 
 
 Batteries on S.VV. side of Bay 41 
 
 Little Gouve .... 15 
 
 343 
 
 157 
 
 Grand Total 500 
 
 J. Knowles, Captain, 
 
 Royal Artillery. 
 
 N.B. — Fifty pieces of ordnance of small calibre, captured in the citadel, 
 not included in the above. 
 
 (Signed) Armine S. H. Mountain, Lieut.-Col., 
 
 Deputy Adjutant General. 
 
 EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. 
 
 Return of Killed and Wounded of the Force under the command of Majoi’- 
 General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B., SjX., on the ‘2,6th of August, 1841, at 
 the capture of the batteries, heights, city, and citadel of Amoy. 
 
 Head Quarters, Amoy Castle, Sept. 1st, 1841. 
 
 Rank and File. 
 
 18th Royal Irish Regiment . . . wounded 2 
 
 49th Regiment ,, 7 
 
 Total . . . wounded 9 
 
 (Signed) Armine S. H. Mountain, Lieut.-Col., 
 
 Deputy Adjutant General Expeditionary Force. 
 
 Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B., 
 
 Commander-in- Chief, Expeditionary Force, China. 
 
 To the Right Ho7i. the Earl of Auckland, G.C.B., S;c. ^c. ^c. 
 
 “ Wellesley,” in the Bay of Amoy, August 31st, 1841. 
 My Lord, — It is with much gratification that I have the 
 honour of announcing to your lordship the capture of the city of 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 339 
 
 Amoy and the island of Golong-soo, (which forms the west side 
 of the harbour,) together with their strong lines of batteries and 
 sea defences, mounting above 228 guns, by the combined forces 
 of her Majesty, after a short, but vigorous attack, on the 26th 
 instant, with very trifling loss on our part. 
 
 The expedition, comprising the ships of war hereafter named, 
 and twenty-one transports containing the land forces, military and 
 victualling stores, &c., under the command of his Excellency 
 Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, sailed from the anchorage of 
 Hong-Kong on the 21st, and fortunately arrived off the islands at 
 the entrance of Amoy Bay, by sunset on the 25th ; it was then be- 
 ginning to blow strong, but favoured by a fair wind, and good 
 moonlight, with the advantage of the local knowledge of Captain 
 Bourchier, of the “ Blonde,” the fleet v'cre pushed into the bay, 
 and anchored in security for the night. 
 
 A few shots were discharged at H. M.’s ships as they passed 
 between the fortified islands, but no mischief was done. 
 
 It blew too hard during the night to admit of any boats leaving 
 the ships to sound, or make observations ; but no time was lost 
 after daylight in reconnoitring the Chinese positions, in which the 
 General and Sir Henry Pottinger did me the favour to accompany 
 me in the “ Phlegethon” steam vessel. 
 
 We found the batteries and works of defence on the entire sea 
 face strengthened by every means that the art of these active 
 people could devise ; presenting a succession of batteries and out- 
 works, from the extreme outward points of this extensive bay, 
 until within about three quarters of a mile of the entrance of the 
 harbour, where a high barrier wall was constructed from the foot 
 of a steep and rocky mountain to a sandy beach on the sea ; and 
 from this latter point, a strong casemated work of granite, faced 
 with soil, and occasional small bastions with parapets of stone, to 
 afibrd flanking defences, was continued to the very suburbs and 
 entrance of the harbour, from whence were masked batteries with 
 sand bags, until opposite the north-east point of Golong-soo 
 island, altogether 152 guns. 
 
 On the island of Golong-soo, which is the key of Amoy, strong 
 batteries, mounting in all seventy-six guns, were also placed in 
 every commanding position for flanking the approach to the har- 
 bour, (which is scarcely half a mile wide at the entrance,) and 
 protecting the accessible points of landing. 
 
 As it was of the utmost importance, with a view to ulterior ope- 
 
340 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 rations, and the advanced period of the present monsoon, that we 
 should be delayed as short a time as possible at Amoy, it was de- 
 termined that the batteries within the barrier Avail, and on the 
 island of Golong-soo, should be immediately attacked by the squa- 
 dron, and the troops landed within the barrier as soon as it might 
 be practicable, to take the batteries in the rear; for this object 
 the “ Wellesley” and “ Blenheim” were ordered to anchor against 
 the strongest batteries on Amoy, and as near the entrance of the 
 harbour as possible, leaving the “ Cruiser,” “ Pylades,” “ Colum- 
 bine,” and “ Algerine,” to engage the extreme point of the line 
 and cover the landing of the troops, flanked by the heavy guns of 
 the “ Sesostris” and “Queen” steam vessels ; the “ Phlegethon” 
 and “ Nemesis” being appointed to receive the troops, and tow in 
 the boats for landing them. 
 
 The attack of the island of Golong-soo, where Ave had reason to 
 apprehend the Avater Avas shoaler, Avas assigned to Captain Bour- 
 chier of the “Blonde,” Avith the “Druid” and “ Modeste,” 150 
 Marines under Captain Ellis, and a detachment of the 26th regi- 
 ment under Major Johnston. 
 
 Pending the necessary preparations for disembarking the troops, 
 and moving the ships into their appointed positions, a communica- 
 tion Avas received from the shore, requesting to know the object 
 of our visit, to Avhich the ansAver No. 1. Avas returned. 
 
 About a quarter past one, a steady and favourable breeze hav- 
 ing set in, the squadron Aveighed and proceeded to their stations. 
 The “ Sesostris,” being the most advanced, received a heavy Are 
 before any return was made ; she was soon joined by the “ Queen,” 
 and both commenced action with good elfect. 
 
 The “ Wellesley” and “ Blenheim,” after ranging along the 
 line of works on Amoy, under a smart fire, were anchored by the 
 stern about half-past two p.m., admirably placed by Captains 
 Maitland and Herbert in ten fathoms water, within 400 yards of 
 the principal battery, precisely in the position allotted them ; and 
 the “ Cruiser,” “ Pylades,” “Columbine,” and “Algerine,” took 
 their stations with equal judgment. 
 
 The “ Blonde,” “ Druid,” and “ Modeste” reached their posi- 
 tions against the batteries on Golong-soo, a feAV minutes earlier; 
 but their captains found such difficulty, from the shallowness of the 
 water, in placing them satisfactorily, that, to effect this object, they 
 very spiritedly carried their ships into almost their OAvn draught. 
 
 The “ Bentinck” had been appointed to sound the channel ahead 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 341 
 
 of the “ Wellesley” as we ran in, which Lieutenant Collinson very 
 skilfully performed, and then gallantly anchored the brig within 
 the entrance of the harbour, where she was joined by the “ Sesos- 
 tris,” which was placed by Captain Ormsby in a very judicious 
 situation for relieving her and the other ships from a flanking fire. 
 
 The fire of the Chinese soon slackened under the excellent gun 
 practice of the squadron. At half-past three, 1 had the satisfac- 
 tion of seeing the Marines and the 26th regiment land on the 
 island of Golong-soo, and the British colours planted on the bat- 
 teries. The “ Modeste” and “ Blonde” then weighed and stood 
 into the inner harbour, and after silencing, as they passed, the town 
 batteries, u hich were out of our reach, they anchored completely 
 inside, and abreast of the city, taking possession of twenty-six war 
 junks, with 128 guns on board, in a state of preparation for sea, 
 but deserted by their crews. 
 
 About the same time, the first division of troops were landed, 
 under the able direction of Commander Giffard, of the “ Cruiser,” 
 and headed by their gallant General, Sir Hugh Gough, escaladed 
 and took possession of the u’orks, at the barrier wall. 
 
 An outwork beyond this point (which had been previously 
 silenced) was also entered, and the British colours hoisted by the 
 crew of a boat from the “ Phlegethon and the batteries imme- 
 diately opposite the “Wellesley” and “Blenheim” being nearly 
 demolished, a party of seamen and Marines were landed from 
 those ships under the command of Commander Fletcher and the 
 officers named below ;* by whom the Chinese, who had taken 
 shelter in adjoining buildings, were put to flight, after discharging 
 their matchlocks, and possession taken of the works. 
 
 The General having cleared the intermediate space of such of the 
 Chinese as remained, pushed forward, and occupied the heights 
 immediately above the town for the night; every point being thus 
 completely in our power. 
 
 In detailing this service to your lordship, I have the highest 
 satisfaction in reporting the gallantry, zeal, and energy which has 
 been manifested by every officer and man of her Majesty’s navy 
 and R-oyal Marines, as well as those of the Indian navy under my 
 command ; they have vied with each other in the desire to antici- 
 
 * Wellesley. — Acting-Lieutenant Carmichael- L. White, R. M. Mates: 
 Lord A. Beauclerk, S. S. L. Crofton, L. G. Halsted. Midshipman; W. F. F. 
 Jackson. 
 
 Blenheim. — Captain Whitcomb, R.M. Mates ; R. C. Revern, T. A. St. 
 Leger. 
 
342 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 pate and meet every object for the public service, and are fully en- 
 titled to my best acknowledgments, and the favourable considera- 
 tion of the Board of Admiralty and Indian Government. I have 
 no less pleasure in witnessing the anxiety which pervades all ranks, 
 to go hand in hand with our gallant companions of the army. 
 
 His Excellency Sir Henry Pottinger and suite were with me on 
 board the “ Wellesley,” during the operations of the 26th. 
 
 Captain Bourchier’s own report (Enclosui’e No. 2) will best de- 
 scribe the proceedings of the little squadron placed under his 
 orders for the attack of Golong-soo, which was admirably executed, 
 and I can only add my meed of praise on this additional instance 
 of the gallantry of Captain Ellis, and the officers and men of the 
 Royal Marines under his command, as well as of Major Johnston, 
 and the detachment of the 26th, acting with them. 
 
 The accounts we have received of the force of the Chinese 
 for the defence of Amoy, vary from 5600 to 10,000 troops ; 
 and it is with sincere pleasure I am enabled to transmit your lord- 
 ship so small a list of casualties amongst the crews, and masts and 
 rigging of the squadron, (Enclosures Nos. 3 and 4.) The resist- 
 ance made by our opponents would have justified the apprehension 
 of greater injury. Under the protection of their well-constructed 
 casemated works, they stood on some points firmly to their guns. 
 We have no knowledge of their actual loss ; more than sixty dead 
 bodies were, I believe, found in the batteries ; but nearly all the 
 wounded, and many of the slain, were carried off by their country- 
 men. 
 
 His Excellency the Commander of the Forces will probably give 
 your lordship an account of tlie munitions of war and government 
 stores which have fallen into our hands, including a large quantity 
 of gunpowder, and a foundry for cannon, where some guns, of 
 very large calibre, newly cast, have been discovered. 
 
 We have been constantly employed in destroying the guns, 
 (Enclosures Nos. 3 and 6 ;) and, as far as it has been practicable,, 
 the batteries taken on the 26th. The last two days. Commander 
 Fletcher, with a party of seamen and Marines, has been also de- 
 tached in the “ Nemesis,” and with very commendable zeal has 
 completely disabled the guns on every battery on the north-east 
 and south-west sides of the bay, and the fortified islands at the 
 entrance, of which your lordship will find official returns enclosed. 
 
 The superiority of the bay and inner harbour of Amoy has 
 much exceeded our expectations. The anchorage in the former 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 343 
 
 appears excellent ; and the latter, as far as our hasty surveys have 
 gone, affords perfect security for ships of any class, and to a great 
 extent, with a reasonable prospect of proving a healthy situation ; 
 Sir Hugh Gough and myself have therefore entirely concurred 
 with his Excellency Sir Henry Pottinger, in the expediency of re- 
 taining possession of the island of Golong-soo, which will at any 
 time give us the command of Amoy, until your lordship’s wishes, 
 or the pleasure of her Majesty’s government is known. For this 
 purpose, a sufficient garrison will be placed on the island by the 
 General, and I propose to leave Captain Smith, of the “ Druid,” 
 with the “ Pylades” and “ Algerine” for their support. 
 
 The wind is unfortunately at present adverse, but your lord- 
 ship may be assured that the expedition will proceed to the north- 
 ward, the moment it is practicable, in the further execution of our 
 instructions. 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient 
 servant, 
 
 W. Parker, Rear Admiral. 
 
 Enclosure No. I. 
 
 On Board H. M. S. “ Wellesley,” 
 
 Off Amoy, 26th August, 1841. 
 
 The undersigned. Sir Henry Pottinger, Bart., her Britannic Ma- 
 jesty’s Plenipotentiary, Sir William Parker, commanding iu chief 
 the naval forces, and Sir Hugh Gough, commanding in chief the 
 land forces of the British nation in these parts. 
 
 To his Excellency the Admiral commanding in chief the Naval 
 Forces of the Province of Fukieon. 
 
 There being certain differences subsisting between the two 
 nations of Great Britain and China, which have not been cleared 
 up, the undersigned Plenipotentiary, and the Commanders-in- 
 Chief, have received the instructions of their Sovereign, that unless 
 these be completely removed, and secure arrangements made, by 
 accession to the demands last year presented at Tientsin, they 
 shall regard it as their duty to resort to hostile measures for the 
 enforcement of those demands. 
 
 But the undersigned Plenipotentiary and Commanders-in-Chief, 
 moved by compassionate feelings, are averse to causing the death 
 of so many officers and soldiers as must perish, and urgently re- 
 quest the Admiral, commanding in chief in this province, forth- 
 
344 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 with to deliver the town and all the fortifications of Amoy into the 
 hands of the British forces, to be held for the present by them. 
 Upon his so doing, all the officers and troops therein will be 
 allowed to retire with their personal arms and baggage, and the 
 people shall receive no hurt; and whenever these difficulties shall 
 be settled, and the demands of Great Britain fully granted, the 
 whole shall be restored to the hands of the Chinese. 
 
 If these terms be acceded to, let a white flag be displayed from 
 the fortifications. 
 
 (Signed) Henry Pottinger, 
 
 Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. 
 
 William Parker, Rear Admiral. 
 
 Hugh Gough, Major-General. 
 
 Enclosure No. H. 
 
 To His Excellency Rear Admiral Sir William Parker, K.C.B., 
 Commander -in- Chief, ^c. ^c. S^c. 
 
 East Indian Station, 
 
 Her Majesty’s Ship “ Blonde,” Inner Harbour of Amoy, 
 27th August, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — The operations of the force you did me the honour to 
 place under my command for the attack of the island of Golong- 
 soo, were so immediately under your observation, that little re- 
 mains to me beyond the agreeable duty of bringing to your Ex- 
 cellency’s notice the admirable conduct of every officer and man I 
 had the honour to command. 
 
 The squadron was led into action by Captain Eyres, commanding 
 her Majesty’s sloop “ Modeste,” with the most perfect skill and 
 gallantry ; the “ Blonde” and “ Druid” followed, and were placed 
 as near as the shoalness of the water would admit to the three 
 principal batteries, which they succeeded in silencing after a fire 
 of one hour and twenty minutes, when the Marines under the 
 gallant Captain Ellis were landed, and carried the heights with 
 their accustomed bravery. 
 
 The distance of the transports prevented the 26th Cameronian 
 regiment from being on shore at the same moment with the Ma- 
 rines, but they were promptly after them ; and the detachment of 
 that distinguished corps, under Major Johnston, assisted in clear- 
 ing the remaining batteries, and dispersing the enemy. 
 
 From Captain Smith, of H. M. S. “Druid,” I received the 
 most able support; that ship was placed with excellent judgment. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 345 
 
 and her conduct such as was to be expected from her high state 
 of discipline. This island being now completely in our possession, 
 I left the “ Druid” to protect it, and pushed the “ Modeste” and 
 “Blonde” into the Inner Harbour, silencing their war junks and 
 batteries, on the opposite shore, as we passed ; and I have here- 
 with the honour to enclose a return of the vessels captured, and 
 ordnance destroyed. The officers and crew of this ship merit 
 my highest praise, as well as the party of Royal Artillery serving 
 on board under the command of Lieutenant the Honourable R. E. 
 Spencer. I should be wanting in justice, were I to close this letter 
 svithout bringing to your notice the merits of Lieut. Sir Frede- 
 rick Nicolson, first of this ship, to whose valuable assistance I am 
 much indebted ; and I must also beg to name to your Excellency 
 the senior mates of this ship, Messrs. Walker, Rolland, and An- 
 derson, young officers of much promise. 
 
 I have great pleasure in adding that this service was per- 
 formed without loss of life on our part, although the ships have 
 suffered considerably in their masts, sails, and rigging. 
 
 The Captains of the “Druid” and “Modeste” speak in the 
 highest terms of their officers and ships’ companies. I enclose the 
 report of Captain Ellis, of the Royal Marines. 
 
 (Signed) T. Bourchier, Captain. 
 
 Exci.osure in Captain Bourchier’s Letter, 
 
 To Captain Bourchier, B.N., ^c. ^ c. ^c. 
 
 Military Quarters, Royal Marines, Island of Coronsou, near Amoy, 
 
 August 27tli, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — Having yesterday received your directions to land from 
 H. M. Ships “ Blonde’’ and “ Druid,” under your orders, the 
 detachments of Royal Marines of the ships named in the note,* 
 and drive the enemy from the strong battery of Coronsou, which 
 you had previously engaged, I have the honour to acquaint you, 
 for the information of Rear-Admiral Sir William Parker, K.C.B., 
 Commander-in-Chief, that, in furtherance of that object, I landed 
 with them on a sandy beach to the right of the battery, and 
 after some difficulty in climbing rocks, and other impediments, 
 succeeded in gaining the ridge, and the flank of the Chinese position. 
 
 The enemy, before we had gained the level, opposed us cou- 
 
 * <1 Wellesley,” “Blenheim,” “Blonde,” “Druid,” and “Modeste.” 
 
346 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 rageously, attacking us with matchlocks, spears, and stones, but 
 we soon drove them before us, cleared the battery, and dispersed 
 them, the garrison retreating to the rear, many of whom effected 
 their escape by boats on the beach, to Amoy opposite. Several 
 men were killed in and about the battery, in following the re- 
 treating party, some of whom also were wounded. I made a 
 detour of this large and populous island, and discovered, at its 
 western extremity, a sand-bag battery of nine guns, and a few 
 ginjalls ; they Avere all loaded, but did not appear to have been 
 recently discharged. No other armed party of the enemy was 
 fallen in with. I am happy to add, that, in these operations, no 
 casualty happened to the detachment I have the honour to com- 
 mand ; moreover, I have great pride in reporting to you, that all 
 the officers, non-commissioned officers, rank and file, throughout 
 the day conducted themselves individually, as well as collectively, 
 with a courage, zeal, and perseverance, far beyond my power to 
 express. 
 
 (Signed) J. B. Ellis, 
 
 Captain, Royal Marines. 
 
 Field state of Battalion, Royal Marines, Island of Coronsou, Harbour of 
 Amoy, August 27, 1841. 
 
 Sub. Sergt. Fifer. Rank and File. Total. 
 
 Wellesley 1 .. 1 , .. 0 .. 42 .. 44 
 
 Blenheim 2 .. 1 - .. 0 .. 31 .. 34 
 
 Blonde 2 .. 2 .. 1 .. 26 .. 31 
 
 Druid 2 . . 2 . . 1 . . 42 . . 47 
 
 Modeste 0 .. 1 .. 0 .. 15 .. 16 
 
 Total 7 7 2 156 172 
 
 Officers. Ships. 
 
 First Lieutenant Hewitt Blonde 
 
 — Maxwell Druid. 
 
 — Usher Wellesley. 
 
 Lieutenant Whiting Blenheim. 
 
 — Harmar Ditto. 
 
 — Pickard Druid. 
 
 — Polkinghorne Blonde. 
 
 First Lieutenant Maxwell Adjutant. 
 
 Assistant Surgeon Smith Wellesley. 
 
 — Stanley Blonde. 
 
 (Signed) J. B. Ellis, 
 
 Captain, Royal Marines. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 347 
 
 CO 
 
 6 
 
 m 
 
 a 
 
 p 
 
 C/l 
 
 O 
 
 P 
 
 P 
 
 z 
 
 cS 
 
 S 
 
 I 
 
 u 
 
 a 
 
 <D 
 
 Ph 
 
 es 
 
 Oh 
 
 o 
 
 S 
 
 CA 
 
 V. 
 
 <W 
 
 s 
 
 (U 
 
 X 
 
 Appointed by Commodore Sir J. J. Gordon Bremer. 
 
348 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Enclosure No. 4. 
 
 A/i Account of Dumuyes sustained in the Hulls, Masts, ^ c., of the Squudi’on 
 under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir William Parker, K.C.B., in 
 the Attack of the Defences and Batteries of Amoy. — August 26th, 1841. 
 
 Wellesley. 
 
 Four shot holes in ship’s hull. 
 
 Mizen trysail badly wounded. 
 
 Flying jibstay shot away. 
 
 Starboard foremast swifter shot away. 
 Starboard fore topmast backstay ditto. 
 Foresheet shot away. 
 
 Main royal backstay shot away. 
 Larboard fourth shroud of mizen rig- 
 ging shot away. 
 
 Mizen top bowline shot away. 
 
 Mizen top-gallant brace shot away. 
 Jib, three shot holes in it. 
 
 Main topsail, two shot holes in it. 
 Driver, four shot holes in it. 
 
 Blonde. 
 
 One sponge with rammer head and 
 wadhook. 
 
 One 32-pounder gun struck. 
 
 One fore topmast shroud shot away. 
 One top-gallant lift shot away. 
 
 One topsail buntline ditto. 
 
 Lower studding haulds and span shot 
 away. 
 
 Back rope of spritsail gaff ditto. 
 Maintop gallant backstay ditto. 
 Main sheet ditto. 
 
 Main topsail, two holes rent. 
 
 Ensign shot in two places. 
 
 Berthing of head shot away. 
 
 The washboard of waste nettings blown 
 away. 
 
 Fore topmast very slightly struck. 
 
 (Signed) 
 
 Columbine. 
 
 One shot starboard quarter. 
 
 One in the copper under the gangway. 
 
 One or two shots about tlie flying 
 jib-boom gear. 
 
 Druid. 
 
 Foremast wounded by a shot 18 feet 
 above the deck. 
 
 Fore topmast ditto below the cap. 
 
 Fore topsail shot through in several 
 places. 
 
 The standing and running rigging 
 much cut. 
 
 Sesostris. 
 
 One 6-pounder in fore part of star- 
 board sponson. 
 
 Fore topsail braces, 
 
 Main throat hauld, 
 block. 
 
 Fore trysail peak 
 out haul, 
 
 Blenheim. 
 
 Cheeks of foremast starboard slightly 
 wounded. 
 
 Cross jackyard larboard slightly splin- 
 tered. 
 
 Main shroud, one shot away. 
 
 Various running rigging ditto. 
 
 W. Parker, Rear-Admiral. 
 
 ( Cut through 
 by shot. 
 
 Enclosure No. 5. 
 
 H. M. Ship, “ Wellesley,” August 30th, 1841. 
 
 Dimensions of Guns Destroyed. — August ZOth, 1841. 
 
 No. of Guns 
 
 
 Length. 
 
 Diameter. 
 
 No. of Guns 
 
 
 Length. 
 
 Diameter. 
 
 and Forts. 
 
 
 ft. in. 
 
 in. 
 
 ths. 
 
 and Forts. 
 
 
 ft. 
 
 in. 
 
 in. 
 
 ths. 
 
 1 Fort . . 
 
 1, 
 
 6 10 
 
 - 4 
 
 0 
 
 2 Fort . 
 
 7, 
 
 6 
 
 11 
 
 - 3 
 
 9 
 
 
 2, 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 - 3 
 
 5 
 
 
 8, 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 - 3 
 
 7 
 
 
 3, 
 
 6 10 
 
 - 3 
 
 8 
 
 
 9, 
 
 r 
 
 0 
 
 - 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 4, 
 
 6 10 
 
 - 3 
 
 7 
 
 
 10, 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 - 4 
 
 3 
 
 
 ■5, 
 
 6 
 
 5 
 
 - 4 
 
 3 
 
 
 11, 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 - 4 
 
 5 
 
 
 6; 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 - 3 
 
 9 
 
 3 Fort . 
 
 12, 
 
 6 
 
 11 
 
 - 3 
 
 7 
 
APPENEIX. 349 
 
 No. of Guns 
 
 
 Len 
 
 gth. 
 
 
 Diameter. 
 
 No. of Guns 
 
 Length. 
 
 
 Diameter. 
 
 and Forts. 
 
 
 in. 
 
 ft. 
 
 
 in. 
 
 ths. 
 
 and Forts. 
 
 ill. 
 
 ft. 
 
 
 in. 
 
 ths. 
 
 3 Fort . . 
 
 13, 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 7 1 ort . 
 
 28, 6 
 
 7 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 
 14, 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 
 29, 6 
 
 9 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 
 15, 
 
 7 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 
 30, 6 
 
 11 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 
 16, 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 8 Fort . 
 
 31, 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 
 17, 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 
 32, 7 
 
 7 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 4 Fort . 
 
 18, 
 
 7 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 
 33, 7 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 
 19, 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 9 Fort . 
 
 34, 9 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 5 Fort . . 
 
 20, 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 
 35, 10 
 
 4 
 
 - 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 6 ,, low. en. 
 
 21, 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 
 36, 9 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 9 
 
 22, 
 
 7 
 
 0 
 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 
 37, 10 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 
 23, 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 
 38, 
 
 (Burst.) 
 
 
 
 24, 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 
 39, 9 
 
 4 
 
 . 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 
 25, 
 
 7 
 
 0 
 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 10 Fort . 
 
 40, 7 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 7 Fort . . 
 
 26, 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 
 41, 7 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 
 27, 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 
 42, 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 (Signed) John V. Fletchek, Commander. 
 
 List of Chinese Ordnance Taken and Destroyed on the Island of Coulongsou. 
 
 In No. 1, on the Marine Battery. 
 
 Average length, 
 feet inches 
 
 86 pounders, iron, 19 10 . . 1 
 
 18 — — 9 7 . . 2 
 
 14 — — 8 4 . . 7 
 
 12 — — 7 6 . . 6 
 
 Total .... 16 
 
 In No. 2 Batteiy, opposite the suburbs 
 of Amoy. 
 
 1 1 pounders, iron, 7 0 . . 3 
 
 9 — — 6 10 . . 7 
 
 Total .... 10 
 
 No. 3 Battery, south side of the island. 
 34 pounders, iron, 9 
 
 12 — 
 
 9 — - 
 
 8 — — 
 
 7 — - 
 
 Ginjallsl^ to 1§ 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 Total .... 22 
 
 In this battery a subterranean maga- 
 zine was discovered, containing a quan- 
 tity of powder, which was destroyed, 
 as well as that discovered in the other 
 batteries, by being thrown into the sea. 
 
 (Signed) W. E. S. Baker, Lt. 
 
 In charge of artillery on the island. 
 
 August 29, 1841. 
 
 In No. 4 Battery, a short way to the 
 right of the above. 
 
 Average length, 
 feet inches 
 
 8 pounders, iron, 7 4 . . 3 
 
 In No. 5 Battery, south-west extre- 
 mity of the island, discovered on 
 28th of August. 
 
 8 pounders, iron, 7 6 . . 6 
 
 Ginjalls 8 
 
 Total .... 14 
 
 In No. 6 Battery, quite new, on the 
 north-west angle of the island. 
 
 12 pounders, iron, 6 0 . . 1 
 
 9 — — 7 3 . . 2 
 
 8 — — 7 0 . . 1 
 
 6 — — 6 6 . . 7 
 
 Total .... 1 1 
 
 Grand Total .... 76 guns. 
 
 Destroyed by the “Modeste’s’' 
 boats on the town of Amoy side, two 
 batteries, containing eleven guns, 
 making a total of 87. 
 
 Total number of guns destroyed by 
 the light squadron, on shore, in the 
 batteries, and in junks, 198. 
 
 (Signed) Thomas Bourchier, Captain. 
 
350 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 A List of Her Majesty's Ships and Vessels, and of the Honourable East 
 India Company's Steam Vessels in Action with the Batteries and Defences 
 of Amoy — August 26, 1841. 
 
 Wellesley, Flag-ship 
 
 . 72 guns . . 
 
 Capt.T. Maitland. 
 
 Blenheim . . . 
 
 . 72 — • . . 
 
 — T. Herbert. 
 
 Blonde .... 
 
 .44 — . . 
 
 — T. Bourchier. 
 
 Druid .... 
 
 . 44 — . . 
 
 — Henry Smith, C. B. 
 
 Modeste .... 
 
 . 18 — . . 
 
 — Harry Eyres. 
 
 Cruiser .... 
 
 . 16 — . . 
 
 Commdr. H. \V. Uifiard. 
 
 Pylades .... 
 
 . 18 — . . 
 
 — T.V. Anson. 
 
 Columbine . . . 
 
 . 16 — . . 
 
 — T.J. Clarke. 
 
 Bentinck . . . 
 
 . 10 — . . 
 
 Lieutenant R. Collinson. 
 
 Algerine .... 
 
 . 10 — . . 
 
 — J. H. Mason. 
 
 Rattlesnake . . . 
 
 Troop Ship . 
 
 Master T. Sprent. 
 
 
 Steam Vessels 
 
 
 Sesostris .... 
 
 
 . Acting Com. Orrasby. 
 
 Phlegethon . . 
 
 4 — . 
 
 . Lieut. M‘Cleverly,R.N. 
 
 Nemesis . . • . 
 
 2 — . 
 
 . Master W. H. Hall, do. 
 
 Queen .... 
 
 
 . Ag.Mast.M‘Warden,do. 
 
 Enclosure No. 6. 
 
 Account of the Guns Destroyed. — Augxist 31s?, 1841. 
 
 No. of Guns, & 
 description of 
 Battery. 
 
 1 Connette, 1, 
 
 Length, 
 ft. in. 
 8 0 
 
 
 Diameter, 
 in. ths. 
 
 4 9] 
 
 No. of Guns, & 
 description of 
 Battery. 
 
 4 Wooden, 26, 
 
 Length, 
 ft. in, 
 2 6 
 
 
 Diameter, 
 in. ths 
 
 7 1 
 
 2, 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 31 
 
 27, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 3, 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 3 1 
 
 * 
 
 28, 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 - 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 4, 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 6) 
 
 
 29, 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 5, 
 
 8 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 30, 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 2 Earthen, 6, 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 31, 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 7, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 2" 
 
 
 5 Connette, 32, 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 3 Stone, 8, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 
 33, 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 9, 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 
 34, 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 10, 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 
 35, 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 ot 
 
 4 Wooden, 11, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 >t 
 
 6 Earthen, 36, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 12, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 37, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 13, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 
 38, 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 8* 
 
 14, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 
 39, 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 
 5 
 
 1' 
 
 15, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 
 40, 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 16, 
 
 7 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 41, 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 17, 
 
 7 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 42, 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 
 18, 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 43, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 ll 
 
 19, 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 44, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 oj 
 
 20, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 45, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 21, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 46, 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 
 22, 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 47, 
 
 6 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 o§ 
 
 23, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 48, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 3* 
 
 24, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 49, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 25, 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 50, 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 * European. 
 
 
 t Dismounted. 
 
 f Uncovered. 
 
 1 Muzzle 
 
 broken. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 351 
 
 No. of Guns, & 
 description of 
 Battery. 
 
 6 Earthen, 
 
 51, 
 
 Len 
 
 ft. 
 
 5 
 
 gth. 
 
 in. 
 
 6 
 
 
 Diameter, 
 in. ths. 
 
 3 6 
 
 
 52, 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 91 
 
 
 53, 
 
 4 
 
 .5 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 9 i 
 
 
 54, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 
 55, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 
 56, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 57, 
 
 5 
 
 to 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 
 58, 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 
 .59, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 8 Circular) 
 
 60, 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 Fort. ] 
 
 ’61, 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 
 62, 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 No. of Guns, & 
 description of 
 Battery. 
 
 f 9Connette,63, 
 
 Length, 
 ft. in. 
 6 8 
 
 
 Diameter, 
 in. ths. 
 
 4 0" 
 
 64, 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 65, 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 66, 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 67, 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 68, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 69, 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 70, 
 
 7 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 71, 
 
 7 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 72, 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 73, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 9J 
 
 10 Earthen, 74, 
 
 4 
 
 11 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 75, 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 H 
 
 76, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 3S 
 
 77, 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 
 H. M. S. “ Wellesley,” 31 st August, 1841. 
 
 (Signed) John V. Fletcher, Commander. 
 
 Outer Island. — West Fort, 5 ; and a small round fort, no guns ; 
 S. W. Fort, 7 ; S. S. W. Fort, 5 ; South Fort, 5 ; East Fort, 4. 
 Inner Island. — South Fort, 8 ; West Fort, 6 ; East Fort, 12. 
 All quite new, but no guns. 
 
 (True Copies) T. H. Maddock, 
 
 Secretary to the Government of India. 
 
 Re-published by order of the Right Honourable the Governor 
 in ounci . Robert Clerk, Secretary to Government. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 PROCLAMATION. 
 
 REPORT OF THE FOKIEN MANDARINS RESPECTING 
 THE CAPTURE AND RECAPTURE OF AMOY. 
 
 The English barbarians on the seventh moon and ninth day 
 (25th August, 1841) proceeded to attack Hea-mun (Amoy), and 
 on the 10th they ascended the hills from the River She-keang, and 
 seized the fortifications of the city. 
 
 Their Excellencies, Yen, the Governor, and Lew, the Taou-tae, 
 withdrew into Fung-an, and on the 16th summoned forward Tseun- 
 chow troops, 4000 ; from Chan-chow, 2000 ; village braves, 6000 ; 
 and from the various villages of Chan-chow, 4000 brave militia. 
 There were military Heu graduates and military Lew graduates, 
 who became the patriotic leaders of the people. From Kin-mun 
 there were also 1200 troops, and 4000 brave seamen from Yung-an, 
 
 * Europe an- 
 
 f Battery constructed for 21 guns on the second island. 
 
352 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 while 7000 outlaws of Hea-mun banded themselves together for 
 opposition. The troops and the militia of Chang-chow and Kin- 
 mun proceeded without delay, having combustibles and arras, in 
 small boats, each of which had seventy or eighty oars, and carrying 
 powder, sulphur, muskets, and shields. From the road of Pih- 
 shih-tow and Koo-lang-yu they made their entrance. When the 
 Admiral heard this, he took more than ten war ships, with which 
 he had been searching for pirates, and straightway entered Tae-tan, 
 and from the Tsing-le gate he advanced to the attack. His Ex- 
 cellency Yu-poo-wun, commander of the land forces, leading his 
 troops, and forming a junction with the governor, crossed over the 
 Woo-tung lake, and fixed his quarters at Kin-ke. 
 
 The commander of the Yungan encampments, receiving the 
 summons of the governor, led, in person, the troops and militia 
 over Woo-tung to Kaou-ke, and directly entered the mouth of the 
 river, and both divisions, forming a junction, advanced. The 
 sea and land forces from every quarter assembled together. On 
 the night of the 17th, and during the first watch, the governor 
 fired off his line of signal guns, and taking his flag on horseback 
 with him, he, in person, directed the ranks to make an immediate 
 attack upon the barbarians. On the night, the north-east wind 
 blew exceedingly strong, and there was a vast abundance of small 
 rain. On a sudden, in front of the ranks, a company of troops 
 was perceived, which was headed by a single individual, whose 
 head was adorned with a blue button, and his hand grasped a long 
 lance. This was understood to be the soul of the venerable Chang- 
 yew, who came to fight at the head of the ranks. On that night, 
 the barbarians were sound asleep ; but suddenly, hearing of the 
 gathering together of our land and naval forces, the barbarian mi- 
 litary chief issued orders to fire their cannon, and summoned his 
 troops to Hew-shay-poo, and there, with our troops, they joined in 
 mutual conflict. Then was to be seen the soul of the venerable 
 Chang-yew aiding us, and all the barbarians, falling down with 
 dizziness, found it difficult to serve their guns, and we put to 
 death and arrested them without number. Our admiral, perceiving 
 the barbarian ships at anchor in the bay at the end of Shapo, 
 ordered the guns to be made to bear upon them. The barbarians 
 also wished to return the fire, wdien suddenly was seen one of the 
 gods, with dishevelled hair and bare feet, holding a sword in his 
 hand, and descending from heaven, leading a numerous host of 
 brave soldiery. At this, the souls of the barbarian troops were 
 affrighted out of their bodies, and being set upon by the celestial 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 353 
 
 corps, were unable to work their guns. Our troops, without in- 
 termission, played upon them with several tens of great guns. 
 We destroyed eight three-masted ships, six two-masted vessels, 
 four fire-wheel ships, and upwards of twenty ships’ boats. Of the 
 barbarian troops that were slain it would be impossible to state 
 the number. Of camp-followers there fell more than 200, while 
 upwards of 700 white devils and more than 900 black devils 
 (Sipahis) were slain. 
 
 The Commander-in-Chief, with the chief ofiicer of Kin-mun, 
 fought up to the third watch, and then ascended the hill with the 
 governoi’, and in a body entered the city. The barbarian troops, 
 having not yet fled, our soldiers proceeded to arrest them all, after 
 having put to death between 300 and 400. There were seven 
 military chiefs who were taken alive. The transports which 
 escaped destruction, perceiving the victory to be lost, forthwith 
 proceeded out to sea. 
 
 That Amoy was recaptured on the 17th, was owing, first, to the 
 aid of the gods ; second, to the assistance afforded by the soul of 
 the venerable Chang-yen ; and, third, to the love which the go- 
 vernor cherished for his country and the people. 
 
 At present the various seaports are guarded by our troops, and 
 are in a state of preparedness should the barbarians again return, 
 and w ithin the river the fort of Sha-po is mounted with more than 
 a thousand cannon. When the barbarians captured the forts they 
 did not injure a single gun, and now we have all back again 
 without loss. 
 
 XV. 
 
 Fort St. George, December 30, 1841. 
 
 His Lordship in Council has great satisfaction in republishing 
 the following notification of the government of India ; and directs 
 that a royal salute be fired in honour of the brilliant achievements 
 of the combined naval and military forces of her Britannic Majesty, 
 and the honourable Company, on the coast of China, in which the 
 troops of the Madras Presidency, under the immediate direction of 
 their Commander-in-Chief, his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir 
 Hugh Gough, G. C. B., have borne so conspicuous apart. 
 
 By order of the Bight Honourable the Governor in Council, 
 
 H. Chamier, Chief Secretary. 
 
 A A 
 
354 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 NOTIFICATION. 
 
 Political Department, Monday morning, Dec. 20th, 1841. 
 
 The Right Honourable the Governor-General of India in 
 Council has the highest satisfaction in publishing, for general in- 
 formation, the subjoined despatches from his Excellency Rear-Ad- 
 miral Sir W, Parker, K.C. B,, Naval Commander-in-Chief on the 
 East India Station, and his Excellency Lieutenant General Sir H. 
 Gough, G. C. B., commanding the military branch of the expedi- 
 tion, detailing the brilliant successes, on the coast of China, of the 
 combined naval and military forces of her Britannic Majesty and 
 the honourable Company, the results of which have been the total 
 defeat and dispersion of Chinese armies of far superior numbers ; 
 the destruction of extensive fortifications of the enemy ; the cap- 
 ture of a large quantity of ordnance, of other munitions of war, 
 and of stores; the surrender of numerous prisoners ; and the occu- 
 pation, with very trifling loss, on the part of the British troops, 
 of the important and populous cities of Tinghae, Chinhae, and 
 Ningpo. 
 
 A royal salute will be fired in honour of these achievements. 
 
 By order of the Right Flonourable the Governor-General in 
 
 Council. „ 
 
 T. H. Maddock, 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Earl of Auckland, G. C.B., 
 
 <^’C. ^'C, ^-C. 
 
 “ Wellesley,” at Chusan, 4th October, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — I have much pleasure in reporting to your lordship 
 that the island of Chusan was reoccupied by the combined forces 
 of her Majesty on the 1st instant. 
 
 My last communication from Amoy, on the 31st of August, 
 will have informed your lordship of our hopes of immediately 
 quitting that anchorage ; but a continuance of bad weather pre- 
 vented the expedition from putting to sea before the 5th of Sep- 
 tember. We were, hovvever, favoured in our progress to the 
 northward with fair, but light breezes, until the 13th, when the 
 north-east monsoon set in strong against us, with thick weather, 
 causing the unavoidable separation of many of the transports, 
 and it was only by considerable perseverance, and taking advan- 
 tage of the tides in shore, which we were enabled, by the regula- 
 rity of the soundings, to approach with confidence, that we 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 3 . 5.5 
 
 succeeded, on the SLst instant, in reaching the Chusan group of 
 islands, where I had the satisfaction of collecting several of the 
 missing ships and steam vessels, and gained the anchorage off the 
 little isle of Just-in-the-way, on the 24th, with the preconcerted 
 Intention of making our first attack on Ching-hae, and pressing 
 forward by the Tahae River, to take possession of Ningpo. 
 
 The transport in which Sir Hugh Gough and his staff were em- 
 barked having fallen far to leeward before we got sight of Chusan, 
 the “ Cruiser” was despatched to convey him to the fleet, and re- 
 joined with his Excellency on the evening of the 25th. 
 
 The weather was now too boisterous to approach the exposed 
 position of Ching-hae, we therefore, on the following day, made a 
 very satisfactory reconnoissance of the defences of Ting-hae and 
 Chusan harbour, in the “ Phlegethon” and “ Nemesis” steam ves- 
 sels, and determined on immediate pi-eparations for re-occupying 
 the island. 
 
 The Chinese have been indefatigable in erecting batteries since 
 the British forces were withdrawn in February last ; and it is 
 almost inconceivable that so much has been done by them. From 
 the western extremity, outside Guard Island, to the eastern termi- 
 nation of their works, which extend half a mile beyond the com- 
 manding position of the Joss-house, or Temple-hill, (now greatly 
 strengthened,) there is a continued line of strong battery on the 
 sea-face, principally constructed of mud, comprising 267 embra- 
 sures for guns, and ninety-five of various calibre, actually mounted 
 on different points, independently of forty-one planted on the ram- 
 parts of the city, and numerous ginjalls in every direction. 
 
 The rapidity of the tides in the different channels to Chusan 
 harbour is so great as to render large ships frequently quite un- 
 manageable, even with the assistance of steam vessels ; and the 
 chance of placing them in any precise position for action so uncer- 
 tain, that it was at once seen our object would be best effected by 
 landing the troops, seamen, and marines, to the westward of the 
 sea defences, and take them in reverse. We found a stone-work 
 with eight embrasures, constructed near Guard Island, to defend 
 the point on which we proposed to disembark the troops, but no 
 guns yet placed in it. About 1200 yards above it, on a steep hill, 
 was also a strongly fortified encampment, in which a large body of 
 Chinese were posted ; Captain Eyres was therefore detached with 
 the “ Modeste,” “ Columbine,” and “ Nemesis,” to anchor close to 
 the battery, and prevent its occupation, or any movement of the 
 
 aa2 
 
356 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Chinese to strengthen their position. This duty was, witii the 
 usual zeal of himself, Commander Clark, and Mr. Hall, most 
 effectually performed, and a considerable breach made by the 
 Nemesis’ guns in the wall of the fortified encampment. 
 
 A continuance of north-east gales, with incessant rain, rendered 
 it impracticable to move the fleet from the anchorage off Just-in- 
 the-way, before the 29th, when we reached the outer harbour of 
 Chusan, with part of the transports. 
 
 The “ Blonde,” “ Modeste,” and “ Jupiter,” with the “ Queen” 
 steam vessel, immediately proceeded to take up a position on the 
 south side of the Macclesfield and Trumball Islands, to cover and 
 assist a party of the Royal Artillery under Captain Knowles, in 
 erecting a battery of one 68, and two 24-pounder howitzers, 
 against the Joss-house Hill, and the adjoining works, which kept 
 up a frequent, but ineffectual fire, and this serviee was, with infinite 
 labour, accomplished with a celerity that reflects much credit on 
 all the officers and men employed on it. 
 
 The “ Wellesley’’ was moved as close as possible to the intended 
 point of landing ; the “ Cruiser” and “ Columbine” were advanced 
 within 200 yards of the beach ; and by occasional well-directed 
 shot from those vessels, and shells from the “ Sesostris,” the Chi- 
 nese were completely kept in check. 
 
 The remainder of the transports having joined in the course of 
 the 30th, and the preparations being completed, the disembarka- 
 tion was ordered on the morning of the 1st instant, in two 
 columns ; the first, about 1500 strong, to take possession of the 
 heights, and then to move on to the city ; the second, (to which 
 the Royal Marines and a party of seamen were attached,) altoge- 
 ther 1100 strong, to carry the sea line of battery, by pushing 
 round on their right, and proceeding to make a lodgment in the 
 suburbs to attack the Joss-house Hilt. 
 
 Our resources in boats did not admit of more than one column 
 being landed at a time, including a portion placed in the “ Phlege- 
 thon” and “ Nemesis,” and finding these small vessels had scarcely 
 power to tow the boats with the troops against the tide, I was com- 
 pelled to keep the “Sesostris” to facilitate their disembarkation. With 
 this additional assistance, it was nearly half-past ten o’clock before 
 the first column, under their gallant Commander-in-Chief, reached 
 the shore, when they were assailed by a heavy discharge of ginjalls 
 and matchlocks from the heights, but immediately formed and 
 supported by the fire of the ships, the advanee quickly ascended 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 357 
 
 the hill, and gallantly carried everything before them, although a 
 more resolute stand was made by the Chinese than had been pre- 
 viously experienced in any encounter with them. 
 
 The howitzers on the island were opened simultaneously with 
 the advance of the troops to the shore, when the “Queen” en- 
 deavoured to tow the “ Blonde” into a favourable position against 
 the Joss house and Eastern batteries ; the strength of the spring 
 tide, however, unfortunately baffled every effort to place her satis- 
 factorily, but the exertions of Captain Bourchier throughout en- 
 titles him to my best thanks. The lighter draught of water of the 
 “Modeste” and ‘’Queen” enabled them to get into good situa- 
 tions; and by the excellence of their fire, in conjunction with that 
 from the Mortar Battery on Trumball Island, the Joss-house Bat- 
 tery was silenced, and the Chinese troops driven from that post 
 and the batteries to the eastward of it. 
 
 The Marines and part of the seamen were landed as fast as the 
 boats could return for them, but before the second column got on 
 shore, the Chinese abandoned the western end of their sea defences, 
 which were entered by part of the troops of the first column, who 
 completely cleared the line of batteries, and took possession of the 
 Joss-house Hill. 
 
 The steam vessels moved into the inner harbour as soon as the 
 troops were landed, to assist in the reduction of Tinghae, on which 
 the main body was rapidly advanced ; the walls were escaladed 
 without opposition, and by two p. m. the British colours were 
 flying in every direction. 
 
 Thirty-six new and well-cast brass guns are mounted in the 
 batteries, and will be shipped in one of the transports, I believe 
 a considerable store of government rice has been found in the city. 
 
 I fear the troops has suffered a loss of one ensign and one pri- 
 vate killed, and about twenty-four men wounded. The casualties 
 in the squadron are confined to one seaman, in the “ Cruiser,” 
 severely wounded, (since dead,) another slightly wounded, and one 
 man, of the “ Phlegethon,” slightly wounded. The “ Blonde’’ had 
 one of her quarter-deck guns disabled, but no further mischief was 
 sustained. 
 
 The unremitting exertions of every officer and man of her Ma- 
 jesty’s squadron. Royal Marines, and Indian Navy, throughout 
 the operations, merits my warmest commendation. I subjoin a 
 statement of the ships present. 
 
 Captain Herbert, of the “ Blenheim,” whose zeal is always con- 
 
358 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 spicuous, handsomely volunteered to head the landing party of 
 seamen and marines ; and I gladly acknowledge the valuable 
 assistance I have derived from the local knowledge and skill of 
 Captain Maitland, of this ship, who has conducted her with much 
 ability in the intricate and difficult navigation amongst these 
 islands. 
 
 Command Giffard, of the “ Cruiser,” has been indefatigable in 
 the duty assigned him of superintending the disembarkation, which 
 he has performed to the entire satisfaction of the General and 
 myself. 
 
 The fire from the ships and steam vessels covering the landing 
 party did much execution ; it was indeed directed w'ith such pre- 
 cision, that two or three individuals fell by a single cannon-shot at a 
 distance of 700 yards, one of them while in the act of waving the 
 Chinese banners. 
 
 It is out of my province to observe on the movements of the 
 land forces, but I may be permitted to express my admiration of 
 the gallantry which was throughout displayed by our companions 
 of the army and their distinguished chief, and I can but express 
 my regret that circumstances did not admit of the officers, seamen, 
 and Royal Marines of her Majesty’s squadron, as well as of the 
 Indian Navy, participating to a greater extent in the operations of 
 the day. 
 
 Sir Henry Pottinger has witnessed all the proceedings of the 
 expedition, and, considering the lateness of the season, it is a sub- 
 ject of congratulation to his Excellency, as well as to Sir Hugh 
 Gough and myself, that the reoccupation of this island has been 
 seeured. 
 
 Your lordship may be assured that not a moment will be lost 
 in making the contemplated movement on Chinghae and Ningpo, 
 whenever the state of the weather renders it practicable. 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient 
 servant, 
 
 W. Parker, Rear-Admiral. 
 
 A List of her Majesty's Ships and Vessels, and of the Steam Vessels of the 
 Indian Navy, present at the reduction of Chusan, the \st October, 1841. 
 
 Welleslev 72 guns / K.C.B., 
 
 ^ ^ \ Captain Thoaias Maitland. 
 
 Blenheim .. 72 — Captain Thomas Herbert. 
 
 Blonde . . 42 — — Thomas Bourcliier. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 359 
 
 Captain Harry Eyres. 
 
 Commander H. W. Giffard. 
 
 — T. J. Clarke. 
 
 Lieutenant Richard Collinson. 
 
 Master commanding, Robert Fulton. 
 
 — James Sprent. 
 
 Steam Vessels : 
 
 Acting-Commander Ormsby. 
 
 Lieutenant McCleverty, R.N. 
 
 Mr. W. H. Hall, Master, R.N. 
 
 Mr. Wm. Warden, Acting Master, R.N. 
 
 W. Parker, Rear-Admiral. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Earl of Auckland, G. C.B., ^'c. ^-c. 
 
 “ Modeste,” at Ningpo, 11th October, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — My despatch of the 4th instant, in which I had the 
 honour of communicating to your lordship the reoccupation of 
 Chusan by her Majesty’s forces, would apprize you of the anxiety 
 of Sir Hugh Gough and myself to commence operations against 
 Chinghae, as soon as a change of weather should enable the ships 
 of the expedition, with common prudence, to approach that ex- 
 posed position. 
 
 On the 7th, the wind veered to the desired point, and every pre- 
 liminary arrangement having been made, not a moment was lost 
 in embarking the troops intended for the expedition. The fol- 
 lowing day most of the transports were moved to the anchorage 
 off Just-in-the-way, four leagues in advance; and the general 
 and myself, accompanied by Sir Henry Pottinger, proceeded, at 
 the same time, in the “ Phlegethon” and “ Nemesis’’ to reconnoitre 
 the points of our intended attack, where we were fully informed, 
 and found that every preparation for resistance had been made. 
 
 The city of Chinghae, which is enclosed by a wall thirty-seven 
 feet in thickness, and twenty-two feet high, with an embrasured 
 parapet of four feet high, and nearly two miles in circumference, is 
 situated at the foot of a very commanding peninsular height, which 
 forms the entrance of the Tahee River, on its left or north bank. 
 On the summit is the citadel, which, from its strong position, is 
 considered the key to Chinghae, and the large and opulent city of 
 Ningpo, about fifteen miles up the river ; and it is so important as 
 a military post, that I trust I may be excused for attempting to 
 describe it. 
 
 It stands about 250 feet above the sea, and is encii’cled also by 
 a strong wall, with very substantial iron plated gates at the east and 
 
 Modeste .. 18 guns 
 
 Cruiser .. 16 — 
 
 Columbine .. 16 — 
 
 Bentinck.. .. 10 — 
 
 Jupiter (troop ship) 
 
 Rattlesnake (ditto) 
 
 Sesostris . . 4 — 
 
 Phlegethon . . 2 — 
 
 Nemesis . . 2 — 
 
 Queen . . 6 — 
 
360 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 west ends. The north and south sides of the height are exceed- 
 ingly steep ; the former, accessible only from the sea by a narrow 
 winding path from the rocks at its base, the south side and eastern 
 end being nearly precipitous. At the east end of the citadel, out- 
 side its wall, twenty-one guns were mounted in three batteries of 
 masonry and sand bags, to defend the entrance of the river. 
 
 The only communication between the citadel and city is on the 
 west side, by a steep, but regular causeway, to a barrier gate at the 
 bottom of the hill, where a wooden bridge over a wet ditch con- 
 nects it with the isthmus and the gates of the city, the whole of 
 which are covered with iron plates, and strongly secured. The 
 space on the isthmus between the citadel hill and the city wall is 
 filled up towards the sea with a battery of five guns, having a row 
 of strong piles driven in a little beach in front of it, to prevent a 
 descent in that quarter ; and on the river side of the isthmus are 
 two batteries adjoining the suburbs, and mounting twenty-two and 
 nineteen guns, for flanking the entrance ; twenty-eight guns, of 
 different sizes, and numberless ginjalls, were also planted on the 
 city walls, principally towards the sea. 
 
 The main body of the Chinese forces were posted on the right bank 
 of the river, in fortified encampments, on very commanding and steep 
 hills ; field works and entrenchments being thrown up in every ad- 
 vantageous position, with twenty-three guns and innumerable 
 ginjalls mounted in them to impede the advance of the troops. 
 The principal landing place on this side is within a considerable 
 creek, close to the south entrance of the river, and across this 
 creek we found a row of piles driven. Four batteries, mounting 
 thirty-one guns, were also newly-constructed on this side of the 
 river, to flank the entrance, and about half a mile above its mouth 
 a similar obstruction of larger piles was carried completely across, 
 space only being left for one junk to pass at a time. In short, the 
 Chinese had exercised their ingenuity to the utmost, to make their 
 defences secure ; and a great amount of treasure and labour must 
 have been expended in the execution of these works, fully evincing 
 the importance which they attached to this position. 
 
 The plan of attack agreed upon by the General and myself, was 
 to land the troops in two columns on the right bank of the river, 
 inside the small islands called the Triangles, the main body 
 under his immediate command (about 1040 strong) to disembark 
 a short distance beyond the creek above referred to, the other 
 (about 500 strong), immediately at its entrance, where it ap- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 361 
 
 peared to us practicable to put them securely on shore outside the 
 piles, under the cover of one of the brigs, good anchorage being 
 found within a few yai’ds of the spot. 
 
 The attack of the citadel and city on the left bank of the river, 
 was assigned to the naval branch of the force, strengthened by 
 about twenty-three of the Royal, and twelve of the Madras Artil- 
 lery, under Lieutenants the Hon. F. Spencer and Molesworth, 
 and fifty Sappers, under Captain Cotton and Lieutenant Johnston, 
 of the Madras Engineers. It was calculated that the advance of 
 the two columns of troops by different routes, would not only 
 secure every point on the right bank, but cut off the retreat of 
 many of the Chinese; and by a simultaneous bombardment of the 
 citadel and city by the squadi’on, we entertained confident hopes of 
 complete success, which has been happily realized in every respect. 
 
 On the evening of the 9th, the whole of the squadron, as per 
 subjoined list, and the transports, were anchored off Chinghae, in 
 convenient situations for the intended operations ; and at an early 
 hour on the following morning, the troops proceeded in the 
 “ Queen,” “ Nemesis,” and ‘‘ Phlegethon” steamers, and the boats 
 of the transports, to the points of debarkation, where the “ Cruizer,” 
 “ Columbine,” and “ Bentinck” most judiciously took up their 
 positions, under the direction of Commander Giffard. A few shot 
 from them cleared the shore of about 300 of the Chinese, who had 
 assembled to oppose the landing, and by half-past nine o’clock, 
 under his excellent arrangements, every man was safe on shore. 
 
 The “Wellesley,” “Blenheim,” “Blonde,” and “ Modeste,” 
 were appointed to cannonade the citadel and eastern part of the 
 city walls, and the “ Sesostris,” “ Queen,” and “ Phlegethon,” after 
 landing the troops, and towing up the ships to their stations, to 
 shell the citadel in flank, and enfilade any of the batteries in the 
 harbour which their guns could bear upon ; the “ Nemesis” to 
 join in the attack on the north side, in readiness to cover the land- 
 ing of the seamen and marines, as soon as it became practicable. 
 
 The citadel hill cannot be approached for an attack by large 
 ships, except on the north side, and the water in that direction is 
 so shallow, that it is only in the calmest weather that they can be 
 carried with safety sufficiently near to fire with effect. The day 
 was, fortunately, everything we could desire, and the “Wellesley,” 
 as soon as the tide served, was towed by the “ Sesostris” into an 
 excellent position, where the anchor was dropped about a quarter 
 before nine o’clock, in four fathoms, about 1300 yards from the 
 
362 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 citadel and town walls. As the water ebbed, she settled imper- 
 ceptibly into a bottom of soft mud, and was as steady as a land 
 battery, Commander Ormsby, (with very commendable activity,) 
 immediately afterwards brought in the “Blenheim.” The “ Blonde” 
 and “ Modeste,” favoured by a light breeze, took their stations 
 under sail ; and every ship was placed, to my entire satisfaction, as 
 close as possible ; the “ Blenheim” and “ Modeste” touching the 
 bottom at low water. The precision of the fire, both of shots and 
 shells, from all, exceeded my most sanguine expectations ; and the 
 destruction of the works from the commencement of the attack 
 was never doubtful. 
 
 As the troops on the right bank of the river moved forward. 
 Commander Giffard advanced the sloops towards the entrance of 
 the harbour, and the steamers all took up very good positions, and 
 performed excellent service with their guns ; they were for a con- 
 siderable time under a heavy fire from the river batteries, but for- 
 tunately sustained no damage. 
 
 About 11 o’clock we had the gratification of seeing the British 
 colours planted by the troops in one of the batteries on the opposite 
 shore ; and, within a few minutes, the others on that side were all 
 carried, and the Chinese observed flying in every direction before 
 our gallant soldiers on the heights. 
 
 At a quarter past 11, the wall of the citadel was breached by the 
 fire from the ships ; and the defences being reduced to a ruinous 
 state, the Chinese abandoned their guns, which they had hitherto 
 worked with considerable firmness, and a large portion of the 
 garrison retreated precipitately towards the city. Not a moment 
 was lost in making the signal for landing the battalion of Seamen 
 and Marines, with the detachments of Artillery and Sappers, (the 
 whole under the command of Captain Herbert, of the “ Blenheim.”) 
 Before noon the boats were all on shore ; every impediment pre- 
 sented by the difficulty of landing on rugged rocks was overcome ; 
 and the force gallantly advanced to the assault, with a celerity that 
 excited my warmest admiration. An explosion at this time took 
 place in a battery near the citadel gate, and the remnant of the gar- 
 rison fled without waiting to close it. The citadel was therefore 
 rapidly entered, and the union-jack displayed on the walls. Our 
 people had scarcely passed within them, when another explosion 
 occurred, happily without mischief, but whether by accident or 
 design is uncertain. 
 
 Captain Herbert, having secured this post, quickly re-formed 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 363 
 
 his men, and advanced towards the city, the Chinese still occupying, 
 in considerable force, the walls of it, as well as the two batteries 
 beneath the hill on the river side, against which our troops had 
 already turned some of the guns taken on the right bank. A few 
 volleys of musketry speedily dislodged them from both positions, 
 and the battalion of Seamen and Marines pushed on in steady and 
 excellent order to attack the city. The wall (twenty-six feet high) 
 was escaladed in two places, and in a short time complete posses- 
 sion was taken of Chinghae, the Chinese troops having made their 
 escape through the western gates. 
 
 While in the act of scaling the city wall, a third and formidable 
 explosion took place at one of the river batteries, within a short 
 distance, bj' which, I regret, one man of the “Blenheim” was killed. 
 There is strong suspicion that it was caused by a mine intentionally 
 sprung, and, considering the number of our men which were assem- 
 bled at the time, it is most providential that the consequences were 
 not more disastrous. 
 
 The seamen immediately returned on board, for the security of 
 the ships, which, with the rising tide, were moved into secure 
 berths, Captain Herbert remaining with the Marines in charge of 
 the town until the evening, when Sir Hugh Gough arrived, and a 
 considerable portion of troops were conveyed across the river, in 
 the “ Phlegethon,” to garrison it. 
 
 I have sincere pleasure in again bringing before your lordship’s 
 notice the gallantry and excellent conduct of every officer and man 
 of her Majesty’s ships and the Indian navy under my command. 
 
 To Captain Herbert my best acknowledgments are due, for his 
 zeal for the public service, and animating example on all occa- 
 sions ; and he speaks in strong terms of commendation of the gal- 
 lant support he received from Captain Bourchier of the “ Blonde,” 
 Major Ellis, of the Royal Marines, and the officers and men of 
 every description attached to the force placed under his command, 
 of which, and of those employed in the boats, I transmit a list, 
 and cordially join in every praise that can be bestowed on them. 
 I must also state, that although Captains Maitland and Eyres were 
 not directly attached to the battalion of Seamen and Marines which 
 disembarked, they landed at the same time, and accompanied them 
 in their operations. 
 
 To Captain Maitland, of my flag ship, I feel much indebted for 
 the able and zealous assistance which he at all times affords me 
 
364 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 and my obligations are equally due to Captain Eyres, for the in- 
 valuable services of the “Modeste.” 
 
 The activity and ardour of Commanders Giffard, Clarke, Fletcher 
 and Watson, and of Lieutenant Collinson in command of the 
 “ Bentinck,” has been eminently displayed on this and every other 
 opportunity, and I have no less pleasure in bearing testimony to 
 your lordship, that the same spirit of enterprise and zeal has been 
 conspicuously evinced by Commander Ormsby, Lieutenant 
 McCleverty, Mr. Hall, and Mr. Warden ; and, indeed, of every 
 officer and man in the steam vessels attached to the expedition. 
 
 I may be permitted, also, to notice that my flag lieutenant, 
 Charles Tennant, has attended me in every operation since I took 
 command of the squadron, and his zeal and attention is deserving 
 of my highest approbation. 
 
 By official Chinese documents found in Chinghae, we have 
 good reason to believe that the regular Tartar troops quartered, on 
 the 10th, in the city, and batteries on the left bank of the river, 
 amounted to upwards of 3,000 ; of which about 700 composed the 
 garrison of the citadel or Joss-house Hill ; their loss on these 
 points is calculated at 150 men. 
 
 The troops opposed to Sir Hugh Gough were estimated at 
 10,000, and they have sustained a heavy loss, but no amount of 
 force as yet met with in this country can withstand the gallant 
 band under his command, into which his active and energetic ex- 
 ample infuses unbounded confidence. 
 
 The total number of guns which have fallen into our hands 
 amounts to ninety iron and sixty-seven brass ; the latter will be em- 
 barked without delay in one of the transports, with a large quan- 
 tity of metal, which has been found in a cannon-foundry at 
 Chinghae. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient 
 servant. 
 
 W. Parker, Rear Admiral. 
 
 A List of Her Majesty's Ships and Vessels, and of the Steam Vessels of the 
 Indian Navy, present at the reduction of Chinghae, the \0th of October, 
 1841. 
 
 Wellesley 
 
 Blenheim 
 Blonde . 
 
 Rear Admiral Sir William Parker, R.C.B. 
 
 Captain Thomas Maitland. 
 „ Thomas Herbert. 
 
 „ Thomas Bourchier. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 365 
 
 Modeste 18 Guns Captain Harry Eyres. 
 
 Cruiser 16 ,, Commander H. W. Giffard. 
 
 Columbine 16 ,, ,, T. J. Clarke. 
 
 Bentinck 10 ,, Lieutenant Richard Collinson. 
 
 Jupiter (Troop Ship) Master Commanding, Robert Fulton. 
 
 Rattlesnake (ditto) Ditto ditto James Sprent. 
 
 Steam Vessels. 
 
 Sesostris 4 Guns . Acting Commander, Ormsby. 
 
 Phlegethon 2 „ Lieutenant McCleveity, R.N. 
 
 Nemesis 2 ,, Mr. VV. H. Hall, Master, R.N. 
 
 Queen 6 ,, William Warden, Acting Master, R.N. 
 
 W. Parker, Rear Admiral. 
 
 Artillery. 
 
 Lieutenant Honourable F. Spencer, 23 Guns, Royal Artillery, and two 5-^ 
 inch mortars, and nine and twelve pounder rockets. 
 
 Lieutenant Molesworth, 12 Guns, Madras Artillery. 
 
 Captain Cotton and Lieutenant Johnston, with thirty Madras Sappers. 
 
 Officers in charge of Boats. 
 
 ■'» 
 
 Mr. Crofton „ ,, Pinnace. 
 
 „ Kennedy „ „ Barge, 
 
 ,, Niblett 2nd Master, ,, Cutter. 
 
 Blenheim — Mr. Kevern Mate, in the Launch. 
 
 „ Denny „ „ Barge. 
 
 ,, Konnielar, Greek .... „ „ Pinnace. 
 
 ,, Pascoe 2nd Master, ,, Gun-boat. 
 
 „ Swinburn .. Midshipman, „ 1st Cutter. 
 
 ,, Gell „ ,, 2nd ,, 
 
 „ Beneraft, Vol. 1st Class. . .. ,, Jolly-ljoat. 
 
 Blonde — Lieut. Dally in the Launch. 
 
 „ Hamilton . . Midshipman, ,, Pinnace. 
 
 ,, Anderson Mate, ,, Gun-boat. 
 
 Modeste — Mr. H. Crofton ,, „ Pinnace. 
 
 (Signed) J. Herbert, Captain. 
 
 W. Parker, Rear Admiral. 
 
 Beturn of Officers who landed with the Right Column under the Command of 
 Captain Herbert, at Chinghae, \0th October, 1841. 
 
 Captain Bourchier, Commanding the Battalion of Seamen. 
 
 Wellesley. 
 
 Landed with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 
 
 ,” Carmichael !! j Companies, Seamen Battalion. 
 
366 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Wellesley — continued. 
 
 Mr. King, Mate 
 
 ,, Halsted „ 
 
 ,, Crouch „ 
 
 ,, Birlhwhislle, Midshipman 
 ,, Butler „ 
 
 ,, Jackson ,, 
 
 ,, Smith, Asst. Surgeon 
 
 Landed witli 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 
 Companies, Seamen Battalion. 
 
 Blenheim. 
 
 Lieut. Hawkins "I 
 
 ,, Matthews 
 
 Mr. St. Leger, Mate 
 
 ,, Norman '.Landed with 4th, 5th, and 6th 
 
 „ Dowell, Midshipman .. [ Companies, Seamen Battalion, 
 ,, Adair, Vol. 1st Class .. | 
 
 „ Scott, do., A.D.C 
 
 ,, Thomas, Asst. Surgeon . . J 
 
 Blonde. 
 
 Lieut. Sir F. Nicholson . . . . "] 
 
 Mr. Walker, Mate | 
 
 ,, Holland \ 
 
 ,, Lambert, Midshipman . . t 
 
 Messrs. Lyon and Coke, Mids., ! 
 A.DC J 
 
 Landed with 7th Company, 
 Seamen Battalion. 
 
 Modeste. 
 
 Lieut. Birch "I Landed with Subdivision of 8th 
 
 Mr. Pearce, Mate j Company. 
 
 Major Ellis, Commanding Battalion of Royal Marines. 
 
 Capt. Whitcomb * 
 
 Lieut. White 
 
 ,, Usher 
 
 ,, Whiting 
 
 „ Ilewett 
 
 ,, Farmer y Landed 276 Royal Marines. 
 
 ,, Polkinghorne 
 
 Mr. Tweeddale, Asst. Surgeon, 
 
 Blenheim 
 
 ,, Stanley, Assistant Surgeon, 
 
 Blonde J 
 
 T/ie li'tglit Honourable the Earl of Auckland, G.C.B., ^c. 8fc. <^c. 
 
 “ Modeste,” off Ningpo, 14th October, 1841. 
 My Lord, — It is with feelings of the greatest satisfaction that 
 I have now the honour of addressing your lordship from the 
 anchorage off the walls of Ningpo, on which the British colours 
 are flying. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 367 
 
 The progress of the expedition has been greatly favoured by the 
 fine weather, which enabled it to complete the reduction of Ching- 
 hae, on the 10th instant, and to place the large ships and transports 
 on the following day at a safe anchorage, after landing the requisite 
 supplies for the army, for the wind changed to the north-east on 
 the 12th, and blew strong. The ships, however, were all in 
 security ; the Blonde, with the sloops and steamers, and part of 
 the transports, having found sufficient water and excellent shelter 
 within the Tahea river, a few of the piles being taken up for their 
 admission. 
 
 I removed on the 11th to the Modeste ; and that no time might 
 be lost in prosecuting our further operations, I directed Captains 
 Maitland and Herbert, when the Wellesley and Blenheim were 
 anchored off “ Just-in-the-way,” to return by one of the steam 
 vessels, with the boats and 150 seamen from each ship, in readiness 
 to advance on “ Ningpo,” and on the 12th, I proceeded in the 
 Nemesis to ascertain the practicability of taking the large steamers 
 and sloops up the river. We found it wide, free from shoals, and 
 carried not less than fourteen feet at low water to the walls 
 of the city, which appeared not only unprepared for resistance, 
 but a general panic pervading the inhabitants, who were evacu- 
 ating the town in every direction, with their goods and families. 
 Sir Henry Pottinger, Sir Hugh Gough, and myself, therefore 
 deemed it expedient to move on it without delay, to check as 
 much as possible the departure of the respectable portion of the 
 population, and the ravages which are invariably committed by the 
 lower orders of the Chinese on all property which is left un- 
 protected. 
 
 The whole of the troops (with the exception of a garrison for 
 Chinghae and the citadel,) were consequently embarked on the 
 following morning in the Sesostris, Queen, Phlegethon, and 
 Nemesis, and the supernumerary seamen and marines were dis- 
 tributed in the Modeste, Cruiser, Columbine, and Bentinck, the 
 Blonde being ordered to remain at Chinghae, for the support of 
 the garrison. 
 
 Sir Henry Pottinger and the general accompanied me in the 
 Modeste, and the expedition proceeded up the river soon after 
 9 A. M. ; but, owing to some unavoidable delays, did not reach 
 Ningpo until 2 p. M., when the Nemesis and Phlegethon, which 
 contained a large portion of the troops, anchored within a few 
 feet of a floating bridge, which connects the city at its east gate 
 
368 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 with the suburbs across the river. The men were disembarked 
 with the greatest facility by stages from the bows of these vessels. 
 The battalion of seamen and marines, under Captain Herbert, 
 landing at the same time in the suburbs on the city side, a short 
 distance below them. 
 
 The gates of the city were all found secured and barricaded 
 inside, but an entrance was soon forced, when her Majesty’s forces 
 marched in, and took possession without a symptom of resistance 
 being indicated in any quarter. The mandarins and troops had 
 all left the city ; the latter having, since their defeat at Chinghae, 
 refused to fight. 
 
 Her Majesty’s sloops and the steam vessels are anchored under 
 the walls of the city, and his Excellency the General is actively ex- 
 erting himself in securing all the government property on shore, 
 and endeavouring to establish order, and prevent the pillage of this 
 populous and opulent place, where, I am happy to say', such of the 
 respectable inhabitants as have remained, evince much less appre- 
 hension at the presence of the English than was exhibited either 
 at Amoy or Chusan. 
 
 From the number of large junks found in the river, the trade 
 with Ningpo, by sea, must be extensive, but an embargo will be 
 laid on all vessels until measures can be concerted for our fur- 
 ther proceedings. 
 
 A few war-junks, and a trifling amount of naval stores, have 
 fallen into our hands. 
 
 I beg to offer my congratulations to your lordship, on the result 
 of our operations, and 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obe- 
 dient servant, 
 
 W. Parker, Rear Admiral. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Harl of Auckland, G.C.B., 
 Governor General, ^'c. ^'c. i^c. 
 
 Head Quarters, Tinghae, Island of Chusan, October 3, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — I feel much satisfaction in acquainting your 
 lordship that Chusan is in our possession, notwithstanding the 
 extraordinary exertions made by the Chinese to strengthen the 
 defences since our departure in February last, and rather a gallant 
 defence on their part, particularly on the heights west of the city, 
 generally denominated the forty -nine hills, and along the shore. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 369 
 
 where, as a defence to the inner harbour, (which was our former 
 part of attack,) a new line of battery has been constructed, pre- 
 senting so formidable a front, that, with due regard to the pecu- 
 liarity of the tides, it would not have been advisable to bring in 
 the ships of war. 
 
 2. The fleet had passed Chusan, and assembled at an anchorage 
 off Silver Island, half way between Chusan and Chinhae, when, 
 after waiting three days, the continuance of contrary winds, to- 
 gether M'ith the lateness of the season, induced his Excellency the 
 Naval Commander-in-Chief to propose a change in the plan of 
 operations, which I mentioned to your lordship in my last report. 
 
 I fully concurred with Sir William Parker in the expediency of 
 attacking Chusan first, under these circumstances, instead of pro- 
 ceeding to Chinhae and Ningpo, particularly as in a reconnois- 
 sance which we made in the “ Phlegethon” steamer, with his 
 Excellency Sir Henry Pottinger, we ascertained that two forts, in 
 progress of construction upon the base of the heights already 
 named, were, although nearly completed, not yet armed. This 
 reconnoissance confirmed me in the opinion which I had pre- 
 viously formed, from the reports of officers acquainted with the 
 ground, that this would be the most eligible point of attack. I 
 must add, that the fire opened on the “ Phlegethon,” as she skirted 
 the harbour, also established that the sea line of battery was 
 efficiently armed. 
 
 3. I shall leave it to the Admiral to detail the movements of the 
 fleet, but I cannot deny myself the gratification of expressing how 
 greatly I am indebted to him for his judicious arrangements, and 
 the cordial assistance which I have experienced throughout, anti- 
 cipating my wishes, at the same time that the arm over which he 
 so ably presided has been brought prominently forward whenever 
 practicable ; and I must be allowed to remark that the precision of 
 the fire from the ships surpassed my most sanguine expectations, 
 and did great execution wherever it could be brought to bear. 
 
 4. The greater part of the fleet assembled in the outer road- 
 stead on the 29th ultimo, and during that night and the following 
 day a battery was thrown up on Trumball Island by a detachment 
 of the Royal and Madras Artillery, under Captain Knowles, of the 
 former corps, aided by Lieutenant Birdwood, of the Madras En- 
 gineers, for the purpose of shelling the Joss-house Hill, which the 
 enemy had strongly fortified, following out the unfinished plan of 
 our own engineers. The remaining ships having arrived in the 
 
 B B 
 
370 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 meanwhile, it was determined to make the attack on the 1st 
 instant. 
 
 3. I beg to refer your lordship to the annexed disposition of 
 attack, which will shew what were my intentions. Early on the 
 morning of the 1st, the first division, consisting of the Madras 
 Artillery, with eight guns, the Sappers, her Majesty’s 18th and 55th 
 regiments, and the rifle company of the 36th Madras Native In- 
 fantry, were placed in steamers and boats in tow of them, and 
 under the zealous superintendence of Captain Giffard, of H. M. S. 
 
 “ Cruiser,” who conducted the disembarkation, were landed as 
 soon as practicable, though not without some delay, from the ex- 
 traordinary strength of the tides at this point. Finding that the 
 enemy, M'hose occasional shots from the ships had hitherto kept 
 under cover, now crowned the heights, and opened a galling fire 
 of ginjals and matchlocks, and that some of my men were falling, 
 
 I deemed it advisable to push on at once the two flank and a third 
 company of the 55th, that were first on shore, directing the re- 
 mainder, who closely followed, to move up in support. This duty was 
 gallantly performed under the directions of Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Craigie, commanding the column, and Major Fawcett, in the tem- 
 porary command of the regiment; and, notwithstanding the steep- 
 ness and ruggedness of the ascent, and a heavy and well-sustained 
 fire from an infinitely superior force, this gallant corps carried the 
 whole extent of the ridge of hills, terminating in a fortified camp, 
 and drove everything before them. Lieutenant-Colonel Craigie 
 has brought to my notice the prominent conduct of Lieutenant 
 and Adjutant Butter, who was with the advance at this point, and 
 seized the first of the enemy’s colours; as also of Captain Camp- 
 bell and Lieutenant Cuddy, who led the two flank companies. 
 
 6. This movement completely turned the right of the enemy’s 
 position, and gave us the command of a bridge which led direct 
 on the flank of the whole line of sea defence. The 18tli and 
 Artillery being landed, and the light guns placed so as to enfilade 
 this line of batteries, I felt it best to change my first intention of 
 attacking the sea defences by the right column, and ordered the 
 18th at once to push forward to the attack on this point. This 
 was executed with equal gallantry by Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, 
 in the face of a very large force, which contested the whole line 
 with more than ordinary spirit, apparently led by one of the 
 principal Mandarins, who, with several of inferior rank, was 
 killed on the spot, when the Chinese fled, and the 18th pushed on 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 371 
 
 ami occupied the Joss-house Hill, which the well-directed fire of 
 the guns on Trumball Island, under the Honourable Lieutenant 
 Spencer, of the Royal Artillery, and of the detached squadron 
 under Captain Bourchier, had compelled the enemy to evacuate. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Adams speaks Avarmly of the spirited manner 
 in which Captain Wigston led the Grenadier Company of the 
 Royal Irish in this attack. 
 
 7. Considering it advisable to support the 18th, I had pushed 
 forward across the vallej', the Light and another company of the 
 55th, with Lieutenant-Colonel Mountain, who is well acquainted 
 with the country, and most judiciously placed them in a position 
 close to the w’est gate of the city, so as to prevent any support 
 being given from the town, and intercept the enemy in falling 
 back on it. The Rifle Company of the 35th having joined me, I 
 moved on with the remainder of the 55th, covered by the Rifles, for 
 the heights overlooking the city to the north-west, which we occu- 
 pied. During these operations, by the praiseworthy efforts of the 
 Madras Artillery, under Captain Anstruther, the light field guns 
 had been brought to the summit of the heights, and opened their 
 fire on the walls and town. The enemy was now in full retreat 
 through the north and east gates, although a few guns and ginjals, 
 with some matchlocks, continued to be fired from the walls ; and 
 I directed the 55th to proceed to the escalade, whilst Captain 
 Simpson, with the Rifles, rapidly passed down a deep wooded 
 ravine, to cut off the retreat to the north. The scaling ladders had 
 been brought up on most difficult and rugged heights by the great 
 exertions of the Madras Sappers, and were now gallantly flanked, 
 under the directions of Captain Pears, who w'as the first to ascend, 
 and I had soon the satisfaction of seeing the colours of the 
 55th regiment waving on the walls of Ting-hae, while those of 
 the Royal Irish were planted on the Joss-house Hill above the 
 suburb. Captain Anstruther reports that Captain Balfour and 
 Lieutenant Fowlis had the opportunity of distinguishing them- 
 selves, in bringing up the guns and directing their fire. 
 
 8. Although the 49th regiment and Royal Marines whom I 
 first ordered, together with a body of seamen, to form the right 
 column, under Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, and attack the sea 
 defences, could not be landed in time for that purpose. I was 
 much pleased with the promptitude with which those two corps 
 moved on to the support of the 18th; the 49th proceeding to 
 occupy the south gate of the city. 
 
 9. The loss of the enemy has been very considerable, both on 
 
 B B 2 
 
372 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 the sea line and upon the heights ; several of their principal 
 mandarins, it would appear, were killed, and the Chinese fled in all 
 directions, throwing away their arms and clothing. The loss on 
 our side, I am happy to say, has been wonderfully small. I have 
 the honour to enclose your lordship the return, together with a 
 list of the ordnance captured. 
 
 10. On the 2nd, I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Adams to move 
 westward with the 18th and Rifle Company on Tsing-kong, to 
 which point the Admiral has despatched two of the ships of war, 
 and from whence the Lieutenant-Colonel is to proceed to-day to 
 Sahoo. This morning I have moved 300 men, under Major Blyth, 
 49th regiment, eastward to Sinkea-Mun, where he will also meet 
 a ship of war ; also three companies of the 55th, under Captain 
 Campbell, over the northern hills to Pishoon, from whence they 
 will march to Kanlon and Mowah, returning by a different pass to 
 head quarters. By these movements, I hope that every one of 
 the fugitives will be driven off the island or captured. 
 
 11. It is difficult to mete out praise, where every man did his 
 duty well, but I feel it right to express my sense of obligation to 
 the following commanding officers of columns and corps : — Lieut. - 
 Colonel Craigie, commanding left column ; Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Morris, commanding the right column ; Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Adams, commanding 18th ; Major Fawcett, commanding 55th; 
 Major Stephens, commanding 49th ; Major Ellis, commanding 
 Royal Marines ; Captain Simpson, commanding Rifle Company 
 36th M. N. Infantry ; Captain Knowles, Royal Artillery, senior 
 officer of Artillery ; Captain Pears, senior officer of Engineers ; 
 Captain Anstruther, commanding Madras Artillery ; and Captain 
 Cotton, Assistant Field-Engineer. 
 
 From Lieutenant-Colonel Mountain, Deputy Adjutant-General, 
 and Captain Gough, Acting Deputy Quarter-Master-General, I 
 have received, throughout the whole operations, the most valuable 
 assistance. I must also mention the active services of Lieutenant 
 Gubbith, my A. D. C. 
 
 I have to repeat my thanks to Captain Giffard, of the Royal 
 Navy, who, after ably conducting the disembarkation, rejoined me, 
 and accompanied me during the rest of the day, as did Major 
 Malcolm, the Secretary of Legation. 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord. 
 
 Your lordship’s most obedient humble servant, 
 
 H. Gough, Major-General, 
 
 Commanding the Expeditionary Force. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 373 
 
 General Orders to the Expeditionary Force, 
 
 Head-quarters, Tinghae City, October 3, 1841. 
 
 Major General Sir Hugh Gough has again the pleasure to con- 
 gratulate the troops under his command upon their success in the 
 recapture of the island of Chusan, and city of Tinghae, on the 1st 
 instant. 
 
 2nd. The conduct of the 55th, whose good fortune it was to 
 land first, and who gallantly gained and cleared the heights, under 
 a brisk and sustained fire from the enemy, was most creditable to 
 the corps, and gave it the further advantage of being the first to 
 scale the city walls. 
 
 3rd. That of the 18th Royal Irish, who landed next, was 
 equally praiseworthy in driving the enemy before them, despite of 
 his resistance, from the long line of sea batteries until the regi- 
 ment gained and reoccupied its old station on the Pagoda Hill. 
 
 4th. The well-directed fire of the detachment of Royal and 
 Madras Artillery, from Trumball Island, and the exertions of the 
 Madras Artillery, on Chusan, in getting their guns over almost 
 impracticable ground, and their fire from successive points were 
 alike distinguished. 
 
 5th. The Major-General was also gratified by observing the 
 spirited manner in which the Madras Rifle Company advanced in 
 extended order over the hills to the city, and the active zeal of the 
 Madras Sappers and Miners in carrying the scaling ladders over 
 these steep and difficult heights and planting them against the walls. 
 
 6th. Circumstances, which it was impossible to foresee, having 
 hastened the moment of attack, the 49th regiment and Royal 
 Marines were not landed in time to perform all that had been 
 allotted to them, but the Major-General noticed with much satis- 
 faction the rapidity with which they moved off to support the 
 advance. 
 
 7th. Sir Hugh Gough addresses himself, therefore, to all, in 
 expressing his thanks to commanding officers of columns and 
 corps, and to tlie general and personal staff, and directing that his 
 sentiments be made known to all of every rank under their re- 
 spective command. 
 
 By order. 
 
 (Signed) Armine S. H. Mountain, 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel, Deputy Adjutant-General. 
 
 (True copy.) Armine S. H. Mountain, 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel, Deputy Adjutant- General. 
 
374 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 Disposition for Landing at Chusan, September 30th, 1841. 
 Left Column.— Lieut.-Col. Craigie. 
 
 Ordnance. 
 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Other 
 
 Ranks. 
 
 4 4^ Mountain 
 
 Madras Artillery, Captain Anstruther . 
 
 8 ... 
 
 204 
 
 Howitzers. 
 
 Do. Sappers, Captain Pears 
 
 6 ... 
 
 117 
 
 2 5|^ inch Brass 
 
 H. M. 55th Regiment, Major Fawcett . 
 
 25 ... 
 
 720 
 
 Mortars. 
 
 H. M. 18th Regt. Lieutenant-Col. Adams 
 
 14 ... 
 
 286 
 
 
 Rifle Company, Captain Simpson . . . 
 
 4 ... 
 
 110 
 
 
 
 57 
 
 1437 
 
 
 Right Column.— Lieut.-Col. Morris. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Other 
 
 Ranks. 
 
 2 9 -Pounders. 
 
 Madras Artillery, Captain Moore . . . 
 
 2 . 
 
 . 50 
 
 
 Do. Sappers, Captain Cotton . . , . 
 
 2 . 
 
 . 50 
 
 
 H. M. 49th Regt., Major Stephens . . 
 
 34 . 
 
 . 435 
 
 
 Royal Marines, Major Ellis 
 
 7 . 
 
 . 201 
 
 
 Royal Seamen Battalion 
 
 15 . 
 
 . 250 
 
 
 
 60 
 
 986 
 
 1 8-in. Howitzer, 
 
 2 Brass 24 Poun- 
 ders 
 
 By Order. 
 True Copy. 
 
 Captain 
 
 Knowles. 
 
 On Trumball Island. 
 
 OlBcers. Men 
 
 Royal Artillery .... 2 31 ' 
 
 Madras Artillery .... 1 12 j 
 
 Do. Sappers 1 20 * 
 
 (Signed) Armine S. H. Mountain, 
 Lieut. Colonel, D. A. G. 
 
 Armine S. H. Mountain, 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Deputy Adjutant-General. 
 
 Return of Officers and Men Killed and Wounded of the Force under the 
 Command of Major General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B.,at the re-capture of 
 the Island of Chusan, on the instant. 
 
 Tinghae City, Oct. 1841. 
 
 Killed. Officers. Sergeants. Rank & File. 
 
 Sappers and Miners 
 
 
 0 . 
 
 . 0 
 
 1 
 
 18th Royal Irish . 
 
 
 0 . 
 
 . 0 
 
 0 
 
 55th Regiment . . 
 
 
 1 . 
 
 . 0 
 
 0 
 
 Total . . . 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 1 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 Sappers and Miners 
 
 Dangerously . . 
 
 . 0 . 
 
 . 0 
 
 0 
 
 Severely . . . 
 
 0 . 
 
 . 1 
 
 0 
 
 
 Slightly .... 
 
 0 . 
 
 . 0 
 
 0 
 
 18th Royal Irish 
 
 Dangerously . . 
 
 0 . 
 
 , 0 
 
 1 
 
 Severely . . . 
 
 0 . 
 
 . 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 Slightly. . . . 
 
 0 . 
 
 . 0 
 
 ... 4 
 
 55 th Regiment . . 
 
 Dangerously . . 
 
 0 . 
 
 . 0 
 
 3 
 
 Severely . . . 
 
 0 . 
 
 . 0 
 
 5 
 
 
 Slightly .... 
 
 . 0 . 
 
 . 0 
 
 ... 11 
 
 
 Total . . . 
 
 . 0 
 
 2 
 
 25 
 
 55th Regiment, Ensign R. Duel, killed. Total, 2 killed; 27 wounded. 
 
 Armine S. H. Mountain, Lieut.-Col. 
 
 Deputy Af’jutant-General. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 375 
 
 Retui’H of Ordnance captured in Chusan, and mounted on the Defences, in the 
 Action of the Is^ October, 1841. 
 
 
 Iron. 
 
 Brass. 
 
 From 1 to 3 
 
 Pounders 
 
 From 3 to 5 
 
 Pounders 
 
 From 5 to 9 
 
 Pounders 
 
 9 Pounders 
 
 10 Pounders 
 
 12 Pounders 
 
 20 Pounders 
 
 32 Pounders 
 
 On Temple Hill Redoubt 
 
 _ 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 _ 
 
 _ 
 
 _ 
 
 _ 
 
 Battery to the East of Temple Hill Redoubt 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Battery to the West of Temple Hill Redoubt . 
 
 - 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 On the Western Line 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 40 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 15 
 
 - 
 
 On the Ramparts of the City 
 
 19 
 
 15 
 
 6 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 Total 
 
 19 
 
 24 
 
 57 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 15 
 
 1 
 
 Grand Total, — Iron, 100 Brass, 36 
 
 Ginjals (carrying balls from ^Ib. to lib.) 540 
 
 Matchlocks in considerable numbers lying on the Works, 
 but all destroyed. 
 
 Gunpowder Tubs 584 
 
 Kockets, Bamboo 30 
 
 „ Arrow Cases 20 
 
 Balls (Leaden), Boxes, and Tubs 100 
 
 N.B. — The brass guns are remarkably well bored, and although of great 
 thickness of metal, yet evidently shew considerable advance on the part of the 
 Chinese in casting. 
 
 Some of the gun carriages are superior to those hitherto in use with the 
 Chinese, particularly one on which a brass gun is mounted, and the models of 
 gun carriages and sweeps which have been found, prove that the Chinese are 
 quite ready to introduce improvements. 
 
 J. Knowles, Captain, 
 
 Commanding Artillery Brigade. 
 
 Chusan, 3rd October, 1841. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Earl of Auckland, G.C.B., Governor - 
 General of India, Sj C. ^ c. 
 
 Head Quarters, October, 18, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — Witli feelings of the deepest thankfulness I have 
 the honour to acquaint your lordship, that, under the protection 
 of a gracious and all-wise Providence, perfect success has attended 
 her Majesty’s combined forces in all our projected operations. 
 Considering the extent of the enemy’s preparations, the strength 
 of his different positions, and his overwhelming numbers, the loss 
 on our side has been surprisingly small, while that on the part of 
 the Chinese has been almost appalling. 
 
 2. My last dispatch will have informed your lordship of our 
 
376 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 proposed movement on Cliinghae and Ningpo. On the 8th in- 
 stant, I accompanied their Excellencies Sir Henry Pottinger and 
 the Admiral in a steamer, for the purpose of reconnoitring the 
 former place. For the period of the monsoon, upon a lee shore, 
 the weather was singularly favourable. Both on this and the 
 following days, the enemy allowed us to come within short range 
 without firing a shot, and the Admiral and I were thus at once 
 enabled to make our dispositions. 
 
 3. The fortified city of Chinghae, the great military depot of 
 this province, is situated on the left bank of the Tahia, or 
 Ningpo river, occupying, with its suburb, the whole space be- 
 tween the river and the sea. The walls are nearly three miles in 
 circumference, and their sea face runs for about a mile along a 
 massive stone embankment, that extends for three or four miles 
 further up the coast. At the south-eastern extremity, separated 
 only from the walls by a narrow gorge, a precipitous rock rises 
 abruptly from the sea, throwing out a steep and rugged spur, 
 at the point of which is the entrance to the river. Upon the 
 summit of this rock, there is a large joss-house, extending along 
 the coast of the ridge, and forming a sort of citadel, the several 
 buildings being loop-holed, and connected by castellated walls ; 
 and in front of the outer gate, commanding the spur before men- 
 tioned, a battery armed with some pieces of heavy ordnance, has 
 been recently constructed. From information I obtained, it 
 would appear that the joss-house was occupied by 400 men, 
 while 3000 held the city, and various small encampments without 
 the walls. 
 
 4. The same information led me to believe, and the reconnoissances 
 confirmed the statement, that the great body of the troops were 
 strongly posted on the right bank of the river, upon a range of 
 steep hills overlooking the city and joss-house, with heavy batte- 
 ries armed, for the most j^art, with new brass guns, commanding 
 the entrance to the river, which was staked across. All these 
 heights were fortified, and presented both a sea defence and 
 military position of great strength, consisting of a chain of en- 
 trenched camj^s, on all the prominent points difficult of approach, 
 from the natural steepness of the hills, which had been further 
 scarped in several places ; field redoubts crowned the summits, 
 and hill and ravine bristled with ginjals. A low swampy flat 
 reaching to the shore, and only to be crossed by narrow winding 
 causeways, lay in front of the left of this position, which was 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 377 
 
 also protected by a deep canal, that, after skirting the hills, runs 
 through the flat into the sea ; but I ascertained that there were 
 two bridges over this canal. 
 
 5. We returned to Chusan the same evening, and the troops 
 which I had ordered for this service having been previously em- 
 barked, as thick as they could store, on board the transports se- 
 lected by the Admiral as fittest in regard to the extraordinary 
 currents on this coast, the squadron arrived the following evening 
 off the mouth of the Tahea river. 
 
 6. I beg herewith to enclose, for your lordship’s information, the 
 disposition for landing. It appeared to me advisable, in which 
 Sir William Parker concurred, that we should make a conjoint 
 attack on both banks of the river, first drawing the attention of 
 the enemy to the right bank ; and the dispositions were accordingly 
 made for attacking in three columns, while the two line-of-battle 
 ships, with the “ Blonde” and “ Modeste,” were to cannonade the 
 Joss-house Hill and sea line of the city defences ; the smaller vessels 
 of war and the steamers to cover the landing, and to support, 
 wdien practicable, the advancing columns by their fire. Sir Wil- 
 liam Parker will detail to your lordship the truly spirited manner 
 in which the several ships of war and steamers took up their po- 
 sitions and fulfilled his orders. It only remains for me to say that 
 the cordial co-operation and powerful support which I have re- 
 ceived upon the present — indeed, upon every occasion, from the 
 ships of war under the direction of their gallant chief, is matter of 
 the warmest thankfulness. 
 
 7. iAt daylight on the morning of the 10th, the left column, 
 consisting of a wing of tlie 18th, five companies of the 55th, the 
 Rifle company of the 36th Madras N. L, a company of Madras 
 Artillery, and one of Sappers — in all, 1040 men — with four light 
 howitzers and two 51-inch mortars, was embarked in the steamers. 
 This column I placed under Lieutenant-Colonel Craigie, but ac- 
 companied myself ; and at eight o’clock the steamers having run in 
 close to the shore, the troops were promptly landed, without any 
 opposition, under the judicious superintendence of Captain Giffard, 
 ably aided by Lieutenant Somerville, of the Royal Navy, at a 
 rocky point, having the low flat and the canal already mentioned 
 to their right. 
 
 8. The centre column was soon after landed about a mile to my 
 right, under a detached rocky hill, near the mouth of the canal, 
 but on the opposite bank, having in its front a part of the low flat 
 between it and the enemy’s position, ray object being to threaten 
 
378 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 a front attack, and deter the enemy from weakening his centre to 
 support his right, which the left column under my own superin- 
 tendence was destined to turn. The centre column consisted of 
 the 49th regiment, detachments of the Royal and Madras Artil- 
 lery, under Captain Knowles, of the former corps, and 50 men 
 of the Sappers, amounting altogether to 440 men, with* two 12- 
 pounder howitzers and two 9-pounder field-guns, under Lieut. - 
 Colonel Morris. 
 
 9. Immediately after landing, the left column moved rapidly 
 over a succession of steep hills that skirted the intervening flat in 
 front of the enemy’s position, until it reached a point, from whence 
 I had a full view of the whole position and of the two bridges 
 over the canal. That to my front, I ordered the Rifle Company to 
 protect by occupying a few houses on our side, supported by the 
 18th, and I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Craigie, with the 55th, 
 accompanied by Captain Pears, commanding engineer, to move 
 quickly on the second bridge, which was about a mile further up 
 the flat, cross it, and push on for the hills beyond, thus turning 
 the extreme right of the enemy’s position, and threatening to cut 
 off" his retreat. By this time, the centre column had formed, and 
 shewed its head at the opposite side of the flat, just out of ginjal 
 range, threatening a front attack. Captain Simpson very promptly 
 performed the duty entrusted to him, and I ascertained that the 
 bridge was uninjured, but had been barricaded by a solid wall of 
 masonry, with merely an aperture so narrow, that (soon after the 
 gate was with some difficulty removed) a single soldier could not 
 pass through without unstrapping his great coat. Having assem- 
 bled the 18th at the foot of the bridge, to cover the Rifles, that 
 company passed over in Indian file, in face of a large body of the 
 enemy, assembled in an advanced redoubt upon the summit of an 
 eminence within 150 yards of us, who cheered our advance, but 
 most unaccountably'reserved their fire. Having placed the Rifles 
 behind a hill just beyond the bridge, I directed the 18th to cross 
 and form, and, finding the 55th had arrived at its point of attack, 
 sent orders for the 49th to advance, which they did with a spirit 
 worthy of that gallant corps. 
 
 10. From the rapidity of these movements and the difficulties 
 of the ground, the guns could not be brouglit forward enough to 
 act, but Captain Anstruther, of the Madras Artillery, with the 
 usual alacrity of that corps, brought up the rockets, which now 
 began to play. The moment the advance of the 49th got into 
 action, the 18th and Rifles rapidly moved forward, and the 55th 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 379 
 
 having crossed the upper bridge, pressed the enemy’s right. I 
 have seldom witnessed a more animated combined attack : the 
 Chinese, cheering until we got close to them, now poured in a 
 very heavy but ill- directed fire, and displayed in various instances 
 acts of individual bravery that merited a better fate — but nothing 
 could withstand the steady but rapid advance of the gallant little 
 force that assailed them, field-work after field-work was cleared, 
 and the colours of the 49th were displayed on the principal re- 
 doubt above the sea and river batteries, while the 18th, who had 
 charged up a deep gorge to the left, broke through the eentral en- 
 campment, carrying everything before them. From 1200 to 1500 
 of the enemy, that had stood longest, were driven down the heights 
 into the river, their retreat being cut off by the flank movement of 
 the 55th. Many were drowned in attempting to swim aeross to the 
 city, others sought concealment on a rock in the stream, and were 
 afterwards picked up by the boats of the “Queen,” and nearly 
 500 surrendered as prisoners. 
 
 11. I feel a difficulty in naming any individual where all so 
 well merit my warmest meed of praise, but I cannot avoid bring- 
 ing to your lordship’s special notice, as having fallen under ray 
 own personal observation, the conduct of Captain Reignolds, of 
 the 49th, and Lieutenant and Adjutant Browne, of the same corps, 
 whose bold advance up the first hill — the one with his company, 
 the other with a covering party of his regiment — was most con- 
 spicuous. Lieutenant-Colonel Morris reports most favourably of 
 the spirited manner in which Captain Tabor, with his light com- 
 pany, covered his right flank. 
 
 12. The operations on the right bank having thus terminated 
 I had a full view of the effect of the fire from the ships of war 
 and steamers on the Joss-house Hill, and of the landing of the 
 right column. This column, which consisted of the Seamen bat- 
 talion, Royal Marines, a detachment of Royal Artillery, and fifty 
 Sappers, in all about 700 men, with two five and a half inch 
 mortars, I had entrusted to Captain Herbert, of H.M.S. “Blen- 
 heim,” whom Sir William Parker placed at my disposal, sending 
 with him Captain Cotton, of the Madras Engineers. Captain 
 Herbert was instructed to land at the extremity of the spur, under 
 the Joss-house, and to storm and take it by the sea-front when- 
 ever the fire from the ships should make it practicable ; and it w'as 
 left to his discretion to push on and take the city, if the effect of a 
 plunging fire from the hill, aided by a powerful cannonade from 
 the ships of war, should justify the advance 
 
380 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 13. I had it only in my power, as the flying enemy had carried off 
 every boat from the right bank of the river, to aid the operations 
 on the left bank, by turning such of the captured guns as our 
 artillery could at the moment bring to bear upon the city, and by 
 a well-directed fire of rockets ; but it appeared to me evident that 
 more aid was necessary, as the admirable fire of the ships of war 
 and steamers occasioned fearful devastation on the Joss-house Hill. 
 The right column landed a little after eleven o’clock, and the 
 seamen, with characteristic spirit, dashed up the face of the nearly 
 precipitous rock, supported by the steady advance of the Royal 
 Marines. A magazine in the new battery, before the outer gate, 
 exploded. The way was thus cleared, and the column entered, the 
 garrison escaping into the town, and the union-jack was displayed 
 on the Joss-house walls. Captain Herbert, with his usual sound 
 judgment, instantly determined upon taking advantage of the 
 general panic, quickly followed up the retreating enemy, and 
 cleared the city rampart in his front by a sharp fire of musketry. 
 At this moment a tremendous explosion took place in a battery 
 below the hill, by which the Chinese suffered severely, and a 
 drummer of the Marines received so severe a wound that he soon 
 after died. The column escaladed at the south-eastern angle, 
 where the city wall is about twenty feet high, the enemy flying 
 before it, as it rapidly pushed along the ramparts, and escaping 
 through the western gates. I cannot omit to mention here that 
 Sir William Parker accompanied this column, and, with the true 
 spirit of a British sailor, was among the first to scale the walls. 
 Thus the fortified city of Chinhae, with the several shore bat- 
 teries, as well as the enemy’s works and fortified encampments on 
 the right bank of the river, all of which he had been for the last 
 year busily employed in strengthening at an immense expense, 
 fell into our possession. Of the principal mandarins, some are 
 reported to have been killed, others to have destroyed themselves, 
 and the Chinese army dispersed, the fugitive soldiers throwing 
 away their arms and military clothing. 
 
 14. Captain Herbert speaks in high terms of the zealous and 
 spirited conduct of every individual under his command, and par- 
 ticularly calls my attention to the able assistance he received from 
 Captain Bourchier, of the “ Blonde,” commanding the battalion of 
 Seamen; Major Ellis, commanding Royal Marines; and Captain 
 Whitcomb, of that corps, an old and zealous officer ; and Captain 
 Cotton, of the Madras Engineers. I beg, therefore, to bring these 
 officers to your lordship’s favourable notice. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 381 
 
 15. The obstructions at the river’s mouth having been removed, 
 by the boats from the ships of war and the steamers, the latter came 
 in, and I passed over in the afternoon, leaving a sufficient force on 
 the right bank to collect the arms, protect the brass, and destroy 
 the iron guns. 
 
 16. I have not been able to ascertain the actual strength of the 
 Chinese army, but from the heavy masses collected at different 
 points upon the right bank, from the numbers I saw upon the 
 walls of Chinhae, as well as from the multiplicity of arms found 
 over the whole face of the hills, and on the ramparts and in the 
 streets of the city, I am led to conclude that my information before 
 stated, as to the force on the left bank, was correct, and that from 
 8000 to 9000 men occupied the works and position on the right, 
 where the bodies of several mandarins were found amongst the 
 killed, while others, supposed to be mandarins, were seen to drown 
 themselves when their retreat was intercepted. 
 
 17. We found Chinhae to be, I may almost say, one great 
 arsenal, with a cannon foundery and gun-carriage manufactory, in 
 active operation on improved works, together with warlike stores 
 of various descriptions. In a battery upon the river, one of the 
 carronades of the “ Kite” was found, with an excellent imitation 
 alongside it, and many of the new Chinese brass guns are very 
 efficient. 
 
 18. It having been determined to push on with the least possible 
 delay to Ning-po, Sir William Parker proceeded on the 12th, in 
 the “ Nemesis” steamer, to ascertain the practicability of the river, 
 and actually reached, without the slightest attempt at opposition, 
 the bridge of boats, which connects this city with the opposite 
 suburb. Upon his return in the evening, arrangements were 
 made for the attack on the following morning, lest the enemj^, by 
 his apparent submission, should intend to entrap us. Having left 
 the 55th, with the exception of the Light Company, 100 of the 
 Royal Marines, with detachments of Artillery and Sappers, in 
 Chinhae, the rest of the force, about 750 bayonets, exclusive of 
 the Artillery and Sappers, in steamers, by eight a.m., on the 13th, 
 and we reached Ningpo at three o’clock. No enemy appeared, 
 and it was evident that no ambuscade was intended, as the inha- 
 bitants densely thronged the bridge of boats, and collected in 
 clusters along both banks. The troops landed on and near the 
 bridge, and advanced to the city gate, which we found barricaded, 
 but the walls were soon escaladed, and the Chinese assisted in 
 removing the obstructions and opening the gate. This little force 
 
382 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 of soldiers, seamen, and marines drew up on the ramparts, the 
 band of the 18th playing “ God save the Queen.” Tiie second city 
 of the province of Che-keang, the walls of which are nearly five 
 miles in circumference, with a population of 300,000 souls, has 
 thus fallen into our hands. The people all appear desirous to 
 throw themselves under British protection, saying publicly that 
 their mandarins have deserted them, and their own soldiers are 
 unable to protect them. I have asembled some of the most 
 respectable and influential of the mercantile class that have re- 
 mained, and have assured them of my anxiety to afford them all 
 protection, consistent with our instructions to press the Chinese 
 government. Proclamations liave been issued, calling upon the 
 people to open their shops, which I have engaged shall not be 
 molested. This they have done to some extent, and confidence 
 appears to be increasing. It affords me very great gratification to 
 be enabled to report to your lordship that the orderly conduct of 
 the troops calls for my warmest commendations, evincing the con- 
 stant attention of the officers, and the true British feeling which 
 exists in this little force, 
 
 19. I have placed the troops in two large public buildings ; as 
 comfortable quarters as I could find, consistent with security. 
 The duties to guard against any sudden attack, and to protect the 
 Chinese against gangs of robbers of their own countrymen, are 
 necessarily very severe. Cholera has appeared, I regret to say, 
 both in Chinhae and in this city ; in the former, six of the Marines 
 have died — here, all the cases have recovered, and I trust that, by 
 the unremitting attention and judicious arrangements of Dr. French, 
 the superintending surgeon, the progress of the disease has been 
 arrested. 
 
 20. I have spoken of the forbearance of the troops towards the 
 inhabitants under temptations of no ordinary nature, and it is 
 with equal pride that I feel myself called upon to bring to your 
 lordship’s notice their excellent conduct in the field throughout 
 the operations I have detailed. Every officer and soldier has me- 
 rited my approbation. I will, therefore, only further beg leave to 
 name the commanding officers of columns and corps : — Captain 
 Herbert, R.N., commanding right column ; Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Craigie, .55th, commanding left column : Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Morris, 49th, commanding centre column ; Captain Bourchier, 
 B.N., commanding Seamen battalion; Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, 
 commanding 18th Royal Irish ; Major Blyth, commanding 49th 
 regiment; Major Faucet, commanding 55th; Major Ellis, com- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 3S3 
 
 niauding Royal Marine.s ; Captain Simpson, commanding Rifles, 
 36th M. N. I. ; Captain Knowles, commanding Royal Artillery, 
 (senior officer, of that arm); and Captain Anstruther, commanding 
 IMadras Artillery. From Captain Pears, the commanding engi- 
 neer, I hav'e received every assistance. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Mountain, Deputy Adjutant-General, and 
 Captain Gough, Acting Deputy-Quarter-Master-General, have 
 continued their able and active services with unabated zeal. 
 
 This despatch, together with plans of Amoy, Chusan, and 
 Chinhae, will be delivered by Lieutenant Gabbith, of the Madras 
 Artillery, my aide-de-camp, whom I beg to recommend to your 
 lordship, and -who ndll be able to afford any further information 
 you may require. 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient 
 
 humble servant, tt t ■ ^ i 
 
 H. Gough, Lieutenant-General, 
 
 Commanding Expeditionary Land Force. 
 
 GENERAL ORDERS. 
 
 Head Quarters, H. M. Ship “ Wellesley,” 9th October, 1841. 
 The following is the proposed Order for landing for the attack of the Citadel 
 and fortified heights of Chinhae : — 
 
 The Troops, with the Seamen Battalion and Royal Marines, to land in three 
 Columns. 
 
 Left column, under Lieutenant Colonel Craiyie, with which Major-General Sir 
 Hugh Gough will land. 
 
 Officers. Other Ranks. 
 
 Madras Artillery and Gun Lascars 
 
 .7 
 
 114 
 
 Royal Artillery 
 
 .0 
 
 4 
 
 Sappers 
 
 .4 
 
 100 
 
 55tli Regiment 
 
 18th Regiment 
 
 .18 
 
 417 
 
 .12 
 
 280 
 
 Rifles 
 
 
 110 
 
 Total . . 
 
 . . 45 
 
 1025 
 
 Ordnance. 
 
 
 
 4 4? Mountain Howitzers ^ Doolie Bearers, and 
 
 2 5|^-inch Mortars . . . i Natives to carry shot 
 
 . 112 
 
 Centre Column, under Lieutenant- Colonel Morris. 
 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Other Ranks. 
 
 Royal Artillery 
 
 0 
 
 4 
 
 Madras Ditto 
 
 1 
 
 50 
 
 Madras Sappers 
 
 1 
 
 40 
 
 H. M. 49th Regiment 
 
 23 
 
 346 
 
 Total . . . 
 
 ,25 
 
 440 
 
 Ordnance. 
 
 
 
 2 12-pounder Howitzers ) Doolie Bearers, and 
 
 
 2 9-pounder Field-Guns ( Natives to 
 
 carry shot . 
 
 . 40 
 
384 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Right Column, under Captain Herbert, Royal Navy. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Royal Artillery 1 
 
 Seamen Rattalion 15 
 
 Royal Marines 8 
 
 Madras Sappers 1 
 
 Other Ranks. 
 23 
 255 
 230 
 30 
 
 Ordnance. 
 
 2 5i-inch Mortars 
 
 Total 
 
 25 
 
 538 
 
 { Doolie Bearers, and 
 ■ ( Natives to carry shot . . 30 
 
 By Order. (Signed) A. S. H. Mountain, Lieut. Col. 
 
 Deputy Adjutant-General Expeditionary 
 (True Copy.) Armine S. H. Mountain, Lieut. Col. 
 
 Deputy Adjutant-General Expeditionary 
 
 Force. 
 
 Force, 
 
 Return of Killed and Wounded of the Force under the command of Lieutenant 
 
 General Sir Hugh Gough, K.C.B., at the storming of the fortified Heights 
 
 and Citadel of Chinhae, on the \0th October, 1841. 
 
 Head Quarters, Ningpo, 16th October 1841. 
 
 Royal Artillery — One private severely wounded. 
 
 18t/i Royal Irish Regiment — One rank and file killed, two rank and file severely, 
 and one slightly wounded. 
 
 49t/i Regiment — One rank and file dangerouslj', one officer, one sergeant, three 
 rank and file severely, and four rank and file slightly wounded. 
 
 Royal Marines— One drummer killed. 
 
 55t/i Regiment — One camp follower severely wounded. 
 
 Rifle Company 36th M. N. /.—One private killed. 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 Three rank and file killed ; two rank and file dangerously wounded ; one officer, 
 one sergeant, and six rank and file, severely wounded ; five slightly wounded. 
 One camp follower severely wounded. — Total, 3 killed ; 16 wounded. 
 
 Name of Officer Wounded. 
 
 Lieutenant J. M. Montgomery, 49th Regiment. 
 
 Armine S. H. Mountain, Lieut. Col. 
 
 Deputy Adjutant-General Expeditionary Force. 
 
 Return of Ordnance and Military Stores found in Ningpo, when occupied by 
 the Force under the command of his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir 
 Hugh Gough, K.C.B., Commander-in-Chief, on the \3th October, 1841. 
 
 Guns, Iron. 
 
 9 pounders 6 pounders 3 pounders 
 Mounted on the Walls of the City . .1 ... 15 ... 2 
 
 In the Magazines (not mounted) . . 1 ... 4 ... 2 
 
 2 19 
 
 Grand Total 25 Guns. 
 
 Gunpowder Tubs 1017 — about 100,000lbs. 
 
 Sulphur „ 7 
 
 Saltpetre „ and Jars ... 9 
 
 Bamboo Canister, filled with leaden balls. No. 1080. 
 
 Rockets, Bamboo 
 
 Arrow 
 
 Cases ' ' Considerable quantities. 
 
 4 
 
APPENDIX, 
 
 385 
 
 Gun-carriages with wheels No. 12 
 
 Shot about Tons, 50 
 
 Shells, Chinese Boxes . . 9 
 
 Leaden Balls, 405 boxes, and a number of packages ; the average weight 
 of the boxes about ISOlbs. 
 
 A large collection of ginjals, matchlocks, swords, and spears, were found 
 in the different magazines, which, with the gunpowder and gun-carriages, 
 have all been destroyed. 
 
 J. Knowles, Captain, 
 
 Commanding Royal Artillery. 
 
 Retwn of Ordnance found on the Batteries on the banks of the Ningpo River, 
 10th October, 1841. 
 
 
 
 Brass. 
 
 
 
 
 Iron. 
 
 
 
 On the Right Bank. 
 
 1 9 Pounders. 
 
 O 
 
 -o 
 
 1 -op 91 1 
 
 o 
 
 "O 
 
 CO 
 
 O 
 
 rf 
 
 _o 
 
 o 
 
 CO 
 
 o 
 
 "C 
 
 6 
 
 •o 
 
 ■5 
 
 00 
 
 o 
 
 ■c 
 
 'B 
 
 01 
 
 1 18 do. 
 
 1 Carronades. 
 
 30 Prs. Guns.l 
 
 1. (Ay. Battery) facing Battery on left Bank... 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 6 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 2. Sappers’ Battery 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 3. Lower Battery, facing the North, and com- 
 manding entrance to River 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 _ 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 _ 
 
 _ 
 
 
 2 
 
 4. Upper Battery firing over No. 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 5. In the gorge of the Hill to the right 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6. Firing down a Pass, facing N. E 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7. Gorge of Hill, between two Camps, facing 
 E. by S 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8. Encampment on Hill, facing S. S.E. 
 
 - 
 
 7 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 Total 
 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 On the Left Bank. 
 
 Brass. 
 
 Iron. 
 
 1 9 Pounders. 
 
 6 
 
 (M 
 
 12 do. 
 
 Carronades. 
 
 a 
 
 s 
 
 O 
 
 GO 
 
 6 
 
 -o 
 
 4 Pounders. | 
 
 o 
 
 12 do. 1 
 
 12 do. 
 
 Carronades. 
 
 24 Prs. Guns. 
 
 24 do. 
 
 Carronades. 
 
 a 
 
 3 
 
 'O 
 
 £ 
 
 00 
 
 ■■£> 
 
 1. 
 
 N. E. Battery, left bank of River 
 
 _ 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 
 . 
 
 . 
 
 2. 
 
 Flank Battery, facing entrance to River... 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 . 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 . 
 
 - 
 
 . 
 
 3. 
 
 Between Joss-house Hill and City Wall... 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 . 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 4. 
 
 Upper Battery of Joss-house Hill 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 . 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 5. 
 
 Second Battery of Joss-house Hill 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 _ 
 
 6. 
 
 Third Battery of Joss-house Hill 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 _ 
 
 
 . 
 
 _ 
 
 7 
 
 
 . 
 
 . 
 
 1 
 
 7. 
 
 City VV alls. Sea face 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 . 
 
 8. 
 
 In Foundry, fit for service 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 Total 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 4 
 
 16 
 
 18 
 
 21 
 
 14 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 Grand Total. 
 
 Brass Ordnance 67 
 
 Iron 90 
 
 N.B. — All the defences on the left bank of the river, as well as the entrenched 
 heights on the right bank were covered with ginjalls, matchlocks, spears, &c. 
 
 c c 
 
386 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 The Ordnance, both brass and iron, are nearly all of a very superior descrip- 
 tion, and although having great thickness of metal, yet the arrangements in the 
 foundry and gun-carriage manufactory shew great improvements to be in pro- 
 gress, our carriages and guns being taken as models. 
 
 J. Knowles, Captain, 
 Commanding Royal Artillery. 
 
 Lieutenant-General Sir Hdch Gough, K.C.B., 
 Commander-in-Chief, &c. &c. &c. 
 
 To the Right Hon. the Earl of Auchland, G. C.B., 
 Governor- General, ^c. <§fc. ^c. 
 
 “ Wellesley,’’ at the Anchorage of Just-in the-way, Sept. 25 , 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — I have the honour to transmit for your lordship’s 
 information, the copies of two letters from Mr. Hall, commanding 
 the Honourable Company’s steam-vessel, “ Nemesis,” reporting the 
 destruction of a Chinese battery, on the island of Quemoy, on the 
 31st of August, and of three, together with three war junks, within 
 the harbour of Shei-po, on the 17th instant; and I have much 
 pleasure in adding my commendation of the spirit of enterprise and 
 activity which is exhibited by Mr. Hall, his officers and crew, upon 
 every opportunity. 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord. 
 
 Your lordship’s most obedient servant, 
 
 W. Parker, Rear Admiral. 
 
 To Rear-Admiral Sir Wm. Parker, K.C.B., ^c. ^c. <Src. 
 
 H. C. S. “ Nemesis,” Amoy, 31st August, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honour to inform you, in compliance with 
 your orders, conveyed to me through Captain Fletcher, that, 
 after having towed the boats to the respective forts on the northern 
 shore to be destroyed, I proceeded to reconnoitre the island of 
 Quemoy. On my way across, I observed three forts on different 
 islands to the south-westward of us, without any guns in them. 
 After closing the island of Quemoy, at 10 a. m., saw a small round 
 tower fort on the larboard bow, bearing S. E., which I steered for. 
 As we approached, observing the Chinese soldiers deserting the 
 fort, I sent away the first cutter and first gig, under the command 
 of Mr. Freese, my chief officer, to destroy the fort. At 10-25, the 
 boats returned, having destroyed three guns, one ginjall, and 
 about thirty-five stand of matchlocks, thirty-five cutlasses, and a 
 quantity of spears and gunpowder ; at the same time, observed a 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 387 
 
 sandbank fort, mounting thirteen guns, with a number of large 
 junks, and an encampment, with banners displayed in every direc- 
 tion, at the entrance of a river, distant about two miles to the east- 
 ward and close to a tower, apparently of some note, from the 
 appearance of the buildings and mandarin houses, &c. 
 
 Having fulfilled my orders, I rejoined Captain Fletcher, and 
 embarked him and his party on board. 
 
 I have the honour, &c. 
 
 (Signed) W. H. Hall, Commander. 
 
 To Rear-Admiral Sir William Parker, K.C.B., <§fc. ^c. ^c. 
 
 H. C. Steamer “ Nemesis,” Buffalo’s Nose, 19th Sept. 1841. 
 
 SiK, — I have the honour to inform you that the Honourable 
 Company’s steamer “ Nemesis,” under my command, was obliged 
 to part company with the fleet, (being light, and consequently 
 very leewardly,) and tide it up in-shore in smooth water. 
 
 On the morning of the 17th instant, being off Shei-poo, the 
 wind being strong against us, and the weather looking very 
 threatening, and having only one day’s fuel left, I deemed it neces- 
 sary to proceed to the nearest port to procure wood. Having pro- 
 cured a fisherman to act as pilot, I entered the harbour of Shei- 
 poo, and just inside passed an island on which were two forts, but 
 which allowed us to pass without firing ; I then had hopes of get- 
 ting wood without being obliged to proceed to extremities ; I 
 hauled in to an anchor close off the town, (off which were anchored 
 upwards of a hundred merchant junks ;) as we neared the an- 
 chorage, a fort, situated at the southern end of the town, opened 
 fire on us, which I immediately returned, my crew being at 
 quarters. I then anchored by the stern in good position, within 
 pistol-shot of the fort. We soon silenced them, and I then landed 
 with my crew, the enemy retreating as we advanced. After set- 
 ting fire to the barracks, and destroying four guns (two of them 
 brass, nine feet six inches long, and four inches bore,) in the fort, 
 I returned on board, immediately despatched boats, manned and 
 armed, to search for wood, and succeeded in obtaining seven 
 boat loads, (about twenty-five tons,) sufficient to fill the bunkers 
 and holds. After completing our wood, I sent the boats to de- 
 stroj' three large war junks, which they accomplished by setting 
 fire to them after having towed them to the opposite side of the 
 
388 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 harbour, clear of the town and merchant junks ; one of these 
 junks mounted fourteen guns, which, as well as a quantity of 
 matchlocks, cutlasses, and gunpowder, we effectually destroyed. 
 A large body of troops having collected to the southward of the 
 town, I weighed and steamed close in and dispersed them with 
 grape and canister. I then proceeded to the upper end of the 
 harbour, firing at the two forts on the island in passing, and 
 came to an anchor to allow the men to get their dinner. After 
 which I weighed and proceeded to attack the two forts on the 
 island ; when within good range, opened fire with round shot and 
 rockets. The enemy not returning the fire, I anchored, and landed 
 with three boats manned and armed ; on entering the forts, found 
 the enemy had deserted them. Having destroyed in one fort five 
 guns, and the other four guns, I burnt the carriages and tents of 
 the encampment, and returned on board, weighed, and proceeded 
 out of the harbour. 
 
 During the whole time we were engaged, thousands of the in- 
 habitants, and nearly all the crews of the merchant junks, were 
 unconcerned spectators of the scene, quietly looking on, and ap- 
 peared perfectly to understand that we were at war only M’ith the 
 government. Even a fleet of merchant junks thus arrived during 
 the day, passing close to us in beating up the harbour. I cannot 
 speak too highly of Mr. Auchmuty Fylden Freese (Mate R. N.), 
 my first officer, and the rest of my officers and crew. I am happy 
 to say this was achieved without any casualty on our side, 
 although the loss on the side of the enemy must have been very 
 great. I have the honour to be, &c. &c. &c. 
 
 (Signed) Wm. H. Hall, Commander. 
 
 To the Right Hon. the Earl of Auckland, G.C.B., Governor- 
 General, ^c. S^c. ^c. 
 
 “ Wellesley,’’ at the Anchorage of Just-in-the-Way, 
 September 25th, 1841. 
 
 My Lord, — The accompanying copies of letters from Lieutenant 
 M'Cleverty, R.N., commanding the Hon. Company’s steam vessel, 
 “ Phlegethon,” will detail to your lordship the treacherous conduct 
 of some of the inhabitants of the town of Ko-kew-so, or Ko-gi-sau, 
 in decoying part of the crew of the “ Lyra,” an English trading 
 vessel, under the promise of selling them stock and vegetables into 
 an ambuscade of Chinese troops ; by which one of the seamen was 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 389 
 
 killed, and Mr. Wainwright, the chief mate, after being desperately- 
 wounded, fell into their hands. Another seaman was also wounded, 
 but escaped on board. 
 
 As this base proceeding occurred within a very short distance 
 of the village where Mr. Stead, the late master of the “ Pestonjee 
 Bomanjee” transport, was murdered, in March last. Lieutenant 
 M‘Cleverty promptly determined on landing and attacking the 
 mandarin military post, and, supported by the masters and crews 
 of the merchant vessels, “Lyra” and “Anne;” after gallantly 
 putting to flight a very superior force, he caused their barracks, as 
 well as the small town adjoining the village, where Mr, Stead was 
 assassinated, to be destroyed. 
 
 Intimation has been given of the motives which induced this 
 measure of retribution, and I sincerely hope that it may have the 
 effect of checking similar acts of atrocity on the part of the 
 Chinese. 
 
 Lieutenant M‘Cleverty, who is on all occasions most zealous and 
 active, speaks highly of the conduct of Acting-Lieutenant Ryves, 
 and all the party that accompanied him. The latter officer has 
 served long, with an excellent character, as mate, in her Majesty’s 
 service ; he is the orphan son of a most estimable naval officer, and, 
 I understand, he was amongst the foremost of the party from the 
 “ Phlegethon,” who entered the flrst battery, which was taken pos- 
 session of, outside the barrier wall in the late attack on Amoy. 
 
 I have the honour to be, my lord, 
 
 Your lordship’s most obedient servant, 
 
 W. Parker, Rear Admiral. 
 
 To Rear Admiral Sir TVilliam Parker, K. C.B., ^c. ^c. ^e. 
 
 Commander-in- Chief. 
 
 H. C. Steam Vessel, “ Phlegethon,” 
 Kie-tow Point, Sept. 17th, 1841. 
 
 Sir, — I beg leave to enclose, for your information, a letter re- 
 ceived from Mr. Hubertson, Master of the brig “ Lyra,” on my 
 arrival at this place, detailing an act of treachery by the Chinese, 
 killing his flrst mate and one of his sea-cunnies. 
 
 On the receipt of this letter, consulting with the Masters of the 
 “ Lyra,” “ Anne,” and “ Ariel,” who gallantly offered their ser- 
 vices, I determined to attack the mandarin station, and proceeded 
 for that purpose, at daylight on the 16th instant. When we 
 
390 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 arrived, I found that it was the village in which Mr. Stead, the 
 Master of the transport “ Pestonjee Bomanjee,” had been mur- 
 dered. I destroyed the village, and took three prisoners, from 
 whom I learnt that the principal station of the soldiers was in the 
 town where the “ Lyra’s” people had been murdered, that they 
 mustered five hundred, and expected to be attacked. 
 
 At eleven, a.m., I proceeded to the town, having forty British 
 and eighty Lascars. At twelve, they opened a heavy fire of 
 ginjals and matchlocks, which, failing to do any execution, and 
 finding we were rapidly closing on them, they retreated up the 
 mountain. We found their barracks and magazines, blew them up, 
 set fire to the whole town, and totally destroyed it. 
 
 Having now accomplished the object of our expedition, we 
 returned on board, and I am happy to say without any loss. 
 
 In performing this service, I beg leave to express my thanks to 
 M essrs. Hubertson, Denham, and Woodman, Masters of the 
 “ Lyra,” “ Anne,” and “ Ariel,” for their efficient support. 
 
 It would be invidious in me to praise anywhere — all behaved 
 well ; but I beg leave to recommend to your notice the First Lieu- 
 tenant, Mr. Herbert Ryves, and Lieutenant R. B. Crawford, 
 R. M., a passenger belonging to the transport service, who gal- 
 lantly volunteered to lead, and was of the greatest possible 
 assistance to me. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 (Signed) James J. M'Cleverty. 
 
 Lieutenant commanding. 
 
 P. S. The Chinese sustained a loss of six men killed ; but it 
 was impossible to ascertain their wounded, as they carried them 
 with them. 
 
 To Captain M'' Cleverly, R.M., Steamer Phlegethon.” 
 
 Brig “ Lyra,” off Singlosau, September 15, 18-41. 
 
 Sir, — I have the painful duty to report to you, as the only officer 
 present, belonging to Her Majesty’s fleet, a case of the most un- 
 paralleled treachery and murder, on part of the Chinese, at the 
 village of Kogisau, abreast of where we are lying, and beg you 
 will report the same to his Excellency the Commander in Chief. 
 
 I arrived here, in company with the “ Ariel” and “ Anne,” on 
 the 10th instant, and anchored off Kogisau. The following day we 
 all armed our boats, and went on shore to look for fresh water. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 391 
 
 and endeavour to procure some stock. The natives at first 
 appeared frightened, but shortly came down to us, and entered on 
 the most friendly terms, promising to supply us with fresh stock 
 on fair terms ; and on Sunday morning, the 12th, I went on shore 
 with my launch and cutter, and the same friendly communications 
 subsisted, and the principal man of the place gave my linguist a 
 written paper, stating the time he would have what things they 
 could supply us with, ready ; in consequence of which, I again 
 sent my launch at noon, in charge of my chief officer, Mr. Wain- 
 wright, and who, on proceeding to the village, and finding no 
 person, was returning to the boat, when his party was surrounded 
 by 200 or 300 soldiers, and fired at with ginjals and matchlocks, 
 and I regret to say, Mr. Wainwright was twice wounded, and 
 either killed or taken prisoner, and one of my sea-cunnies 
 was shot through the head, and killed on the spot, and one man 
 wounded in his side, but escaped on board ; on hearing which, I 
 immediately consulted with the Masters of the “ Ariel” and 
 “ Anne the result was, that we immediately seized several boats, 
 and by their crews sent chops on shore, offering sp. drs. 1000, for 
 the bodies dead or alive, if not mutilated ; but to which I have 
 received no answer. 
 
 I now beg you will be kind enough to use such measures as 
 you may deem most necessary to procure the release of my officer, 
 if alive. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 (Signed) George J. Hubertson, 
 
 Master of the “ Lyra.” 
 
 THE END. 
 
 T. C. SaviU, Printer, 107, St. Martin’s Lane. 
 
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