User:HenryLi/一八四一年公告
==London Gazette== Issue 19984 page 1423
===India Board, June 3, 1841.===
A DISPATCH has been this day received at the East India House, from the Governor in Council at Bombay, dated May 1, 1841, of which the following is an extract:
THE accompanying Calcutta Government Gazette Extraordinary, dated the 20th ultimo, has reached this Government, containing a notification issued under the orders of the Governor General of India in Council, publishing, for general information, the 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 Britannic Majesty's forces.
===Secret Department, the 20th April 1841.===
NOTIFICATION.
THE Right Honourable the Governor-General in Council has great satisfaction in publishing, for general information, the following details of brilliant sucesses 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 royal salute to be fired in honour of this occasion.
T. H. MADDOCK, sec. to GOV.
===Wellesley, off North Wangton, March in, 1841.=== To the Right Honourable George Earl of Auckland, C. C. B. &c. &c. &c. Governor-General of India.
MY LORD,
IT is with feelings of gratification I have the honour to announce to you that the forts of the Bocca Tigris, together 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 Wangtong, in which is a garrison, and all the other batteries have been blown 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 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 Tycock Tow to the Chinese, together with 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 arrangement with the Chinese Admiral Commanding in Chief, the forts were delivered to his officers; under the usual salutes, on the 21st, and the fleet proceeded to the anchorage off the west end of Lantao Island.
Her Majesty 's Plenipotentiary and the Imperial Commissioner having 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 one hundred picked men of the royal marine, under the command of Captain Ellis, R. N. of the Wellesley, and the band of that ship were embarked. Captains the Honourable R. S. Dundas and Maitland, of 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 Commissioner, and the negociations proceeded in a satisfactory manner, the particulars of which have been stated by the Plenipotentiary to Her Majesty'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 2d 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 overland dispatch, by the hands of a Chinese special messenger, directing Brigadier Burrell and Captain Bouchier, of Her Majesty's ship Blonde, to use every effort to embark the stores and troops, and to restore the island to the Chinese authorities.
The proclamation for opening the port on the 2d 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 strengthened 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 Wangtong had become a mass of canon. These indications being decidedly warlike, I determined to move the light division of Her Majesty'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 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 proclamation, the authenticity of which I have however been unable to establish, offering fifty thousand 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 Wangtong. I instantly detached the light division, under Captain Herbert, of Her Majesty's ship Calliope, (who was accompanied by Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary,) with directions not to run any unnecessary hazard until the body of the force came up, but to prevent, 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 Wangtong 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 twenty guns, which opened on them whilst employed clearing the passage, which the Chinese had been endeavouring to obstruct by driving down poles and mooring rafts across ; this service was performed without any loss on our side ; the guns in the battery were disabled by knocking off the trunnions, together with sixty found dismounted; the magazines, &c. were burnt, the enemy left about thirty of the number dead, and their colours were taken by Lieutenant Bowers, senior of Her Majesty's ship 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 description. Partly surrounding the old fort of Anungboy, and in advance of it to high watermark, was a new and well-built battery of granite, forming a segment of about two thirds of a circle ; on 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 twelve hundred men ; at the north side was a straight work of modern erect ion, mounting sixty heavy guns ; about one hundred and fifty 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, barracks, &c.
On the east end of the island of North Wangtong 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 works, one on the South Wangtong, the other on Anunghoy ; on the western end of North Wangtong 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 one thousand five hundred or two thousand men. South Wangtong 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 twenty-four 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 Wangtong and occasionally into Anunghoy, which fire was returned by the Chinese with great spirit, from a battery immediately opposite, 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 Her Majesty's ship Blenheim, having with him the Melville, Queen steamer, and four rocket boats. The Wellesley, Calliope, Samarang, Druid, Herald, Alligator, and Modeste were opposed to the batteries on the south, south-west, and north-west of Wangtong, and the forts on the western side of the channel.
In less than an hour the batteries on Wangtong were silenced, and the troops (under Major Pratt, of the 26th Cameronians), which had been previously embarked in the Nemesis and Madagascar steamers, consisting of the detachments of Her Majesty's 26th and 49th regiments, 37th Madras Native Infantry, and Bengal Volunteers, together with the Royal Marines, were landed, and in a few minutes masters of the island, without any loss; 1,300 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 the 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 tiny 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-top-mast, and foreyard of the Blenheim were shot through, one thirty two 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, 1,300 (as before stated) having thrown down their arms. I should estimate their killed and wounded at two hundred and fifty in Wangtong; probably as many in Anunghoy; at which place the Chinese Admiral, Kwan, and several other Mandarines of rank fell. The body of the Admiral was recognized 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 despatch 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-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 smallarm men were landed, and stormed the works, driving before them upwards of two thousand of the Chinese troops, and killing nearly three hundred. 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 immediately 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 prevented 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 embatked the marines of the Blenheim, Melville, and Druid, also attended 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 end of “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 Her Majesty's ship Sulphur, up junk river to reconnoitre, that ship being taken in tow by three of the Wellesley's boats, under command of Lieutenant 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 materiel set on fire. The number of troops was probably two hundred and fifty, and they were of the chosen Tartars ; their loss was about fifteen or twenty killed - ours was one seaman of the 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 Herald, 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 Cruizer 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 advance—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, and the British colours were hoisted; a garrison 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 were 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 intersected by canals in all directions. The joss-house rather projected into the stream, and consequently was a good position. The river here is about five hundred yards wide ; two thousand yards in front is a long low island, which divides the river into two branches, and on the extreme 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 seemed 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 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 o' 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 merchant s, 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 forbearance is misunderstood, and that a further punishment must be resorted 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 show 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-interference; and we have consequently remained in statu quo, but reports (on which we can rely) are daily reaching us, which state 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 ate 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 pacific intentions (which they are ever ready to deal forth in profusion) 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 Wangtong, 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, &c.
J. G. GORDON BREMER,
Commodore and Commander-in-Chief.
===Wellesley, off Wangtong, March 27, 1841.=== To the Eight Honourable George Earl of Auckland, G. C. B. &c. &c. &c. Governor-General of India in Council.
Wellesley, off Wangtong, March 27, 1841.
MY LORD,
IN continuation of my letter of the 10th instant, I have the satisfaction to inform your Lordship, that, on the 15th, I received a report from Captain Herbert, of Her Majesty's ship Calliope, detailing a well executed attack on the only remaining fort protecting the approaches to the city of Canton. This fort is situate 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 the whole of their 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 therefore happy that it is in our hands ; the loss of the Chinese is not correctly known, many were found dead in the fort; our own casulties 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 Road 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 the 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 teach 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 depôt. At noon nine war junks were seen over the land, and chase immediately given. On entering the reach in which they were, Captain Scott observed on the right bank of the river a new battery, scarcely finished, with ten embrasures, but without guns, and Hochang Fort close to it, well built of granite, surrounded by a wet ditch, and mounting fourteen 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, be came so panic-stricken, that on the approach of the boats seven got on shore, their crews jumping ove board immediately they grounded, two junks alone escaping. Lieutenant Bower, in pushing to cut them off, discovered Fieshakok, on the left bank of the river, with in one 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 strong hold by passing through the adjoining 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 thirty minutes after two 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 re-commenced, during which they passed two dismantled 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 crowded 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 were closed so rapidly that one of them ran on shore, the crew jumping overboard ; the steamer brought up abreas of her and destroyed her ; while thus employed, the 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, sterned 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 more 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, legnth, grounding occasionally on both sides, at 7-50 arrived at the large village of Hong-how, with, a fort, of tbe 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 preceding 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 labour, assisted by the natives, who flocked nn board and around in great numbers after the firing had ceased, all apparently anxious to aid in destroying 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 t he 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 Zamchow, under the banks of which a number of soldiers with matchlocks 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 tip to Tsgnei, 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 one hundred and fifteen guns and eight ginjalls, thus proving to the enemy that the British flag can be displayed throughout their inner waters wherever and whenever 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 Her Majesty's ship Samarang. The greatest praise is due to Mr. W. H. Hall, R. N. Commander of the Nemesis, for the cool, unwearied, and zealous performance 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 Her Majesty's ship 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 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.
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 Blonde and Conway; every arrangement having been completed, the force, as per margin,* 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 admirable 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 ; one hundred and twenty-three guns were mounted in the different forts ; the loss of the enemy has been very considerable (upwards of four hundred 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 capabilites 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 influence 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. (he community who have every thing 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, congratulate ourselves on this service having been performed without any loss of life on our side, and only seven wounded (severely) amongst whom is that gallant officer Lieutenant Stransham, Royal Marine's, of Her Majesty's ship Calliope, Acting Brigade Major.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's, most obedient humble servant,
J. J. GORDON BREMER,
Commodore of the 1st Class, Commander-in-Chief.
* Modiste, Nemesis, Madagascar, Algerine, Starlings, Young Hebe, and Louisa.
===British Factory, Canton, March 18, 1841.=== The report from Captain Herbert of Her Majesty's ship Calliope to His Excellency Sir Gordon Bremer, referred to in the preceding despatch, is annexed:
Copy.
British Factory, Canton, March 18, 1841.
Commodore Sir J. J. Gordon Rremer, Kt. C. B. K.C.H. Commander in Chief, &c. &c. &c.
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 hoisting 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 instructions for the reasons so strongly expressed in Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary's note, here in enclosed (17th March 1841), considering it my duty to resent, with all the promptitude in my power, the insult offered 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 Capta in Bourchi er of the Blonde, Captain Bethune of the Conway assisting. Three divisions, under the immediate charge of Commanders Barlow and Clarke, and Lieutenant Coulson of the Blonde. Her Majesty's sloop Hyacinth (to wh om too much praise cannot be given for the exertion displayed by Commander Warren, his officers and crew, in getting her through the intricate and difficult passes of the river, pilot ed by Commander Belcher, to be in readiness for operation) ; and a division of boats, under the command of these officers, were 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 arid 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 were taken possession of.
The Modeste was placed within three hundred yards, in, front of the principal battery, and shortly ave 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. H. Hall, R. N., commanding, with artillerymen under the direction of Captain Moore, and Lieutenant Gabbett, Madras Artillery, who handsomely volunteered 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 resistance 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 one hundred and twenty-three guns.
By the great care of Captain Nias, his officers, and ship's company, 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, 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 Canton, 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 Claike, for their great zeal. The Royal Marines under Lieut. 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, has suddenly exposed to a heavy explosion, by which he was been considerably burned, but continues at his post; to Lieutenants Kellett and Collinson and Mr. Brown, Master of the Calliope, every favourable consideration is due, for having made themselves particularly useful in sounding, and afterwards conducting several men of war safely loan anchorage off the city of Canton, indeed my 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, who you kindly attached to me, I enclose a return of casualties, which, 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, we have been able to ascertain, that the enemy's loss has been about four hundred men.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) T. HERBERT, Captain.
* Vide subjoined list.
===List of the Ships, Steamers, Boats, &c. employed at the Capture of Canton, on the 16th instant.===
List of the Ships, Steamers, Boats, &c. employed at the Capture of Canton, on the 16th instant.
H. M. ship Herald, Captain Nias; H. M. sloop Modeste, Commander Eyres ; H. M. sloop Hyacinth, Commander Warren; H. M. brig Algerine, Lieutenant Mason.
Tenders. — H. M. schooner Starling, Lieutenant Kellett ; H. M. schooner Hebe, Mr. Qu i n, Mate ; H. M. cu tter Louisa, Mr. Carmichael, Mate.
Steamers.—H. C. steamer Madagascar, Captain Dicey; H. C. steamer Nemesis, Captain Hall.
Boats.—First Division. — Commander Barlow; Lieutenants Williams, Stewart, and Drury ; Lieutenant Dewes, Acting; Messrs. Walter Kendall, Purver, Woolcome, Baker, and Kator, Mates; Mr. Comber, Midshipman; Mr. Scott, Volunteer first class.
Second Division, Commander Clark .—Lieutenants Hamilton, Beadon, and Shute; Mr. King, Master Acting; Messrs. Miller. Fitzgerald, Pearse. Read, and Turnour, Mates; Mr. Crofton, Midshipman.
Third Division. — Lieutenants Conlson and Ingram ; Messrs. Christopher, Walker, and Anderson, Mates; Messrs. Purvis, Coke, and Lyons, Volunteers first class; Mr. Stanley, Assistant-Surgeon.
Western Division. — Commanders Warren and Belcher; Lieutenants Haskell, Watson, Hay, Moorshed, D' Eyncourt, Wood, and Hayes ; Mr. Airey, Master; Messrs. Daly, Rivers, Jefferies, Le Vesconte, Egerton, Drake, St. Leger, and Bryan, Mates; Mr. Brown, Master Assistant; Mr. Butler, M. D. and Mr. Tweeddale, Assistant Surgeons.
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.
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