Chapter III: Part 3

The 'Blonde,' Captain T. Bourchier, arrived off Amoy on the 2nd July, for the purpose of opening communications with the authorities of the place. An officer having been sent on shore with Mr. Thorn, the interpreter attached to the ship, was received with abusive and opprobrious language by the Chinese, and ordered to return. As the day dawned on the 3rd, the Chinese were observed making preparations to attack the ship. An encampment was formed on the beach, batteries were being thrown up, and large armed junks had come out of the inner harbour, while smaller ones were being filled with troops and placed close to the ship. Unwilling to cause a rupture if it could be avoided, Captain Bourchier got his ship under weigh as soon as the sea-breeze set in, and running within 400 yards of the shore, anchored with springs on his cable off an angle of a casement battery, at the mouth of the inner harbour, so as to command it and the junks at the same time. A boat was again sent on shore with a flag of truce, when she was treacherously fired into. On this, the flag of truce on board the 'Blonde' was hauled down, and she returned the fire. Her first broadside dismounted the greater part of the guns in the eastern battery, and the second silenced both, putting to flight the troops formed in the neighbourhood. The fire of the 'Blonde' was then directed exclusively at the fort and armed junks. The former was soon reduced to a heap of ruins, and all the latter, with the exception of one, managed to make their escape up the harbour. The only one which remained had been abandoned by her crew, and an officer was forthwith sent on board, who hove her guns overboard and set her on fire.

During the affair the neighbouring hills were covered with spectators, who seemed scarcely to comprehend what was going on. The war-junks had taken refuge among a fleet of trading-vessels which crowded the inner harbour, and Captain Bourchier, unwilling to punish the innocent as well as the guilty, refrained from pursuing them. Not a man on board the 'Blonde' was injured, though she had inflicted a severe chastisement on the Chinese, numbers of whose bodies strewed the beach. Having performed this necessary though painful duty, Captain Bourchier proceeded on his voyage.

CAPTURE OF CHUSAN.

It being considered important that possession should be taken of an island on the eastern coast, to facilitate the blockade of the great river Tang-tze, the chief artery of China--an object Captain Elliot had strongly advised--Chusan, opposite to the city of Ningpo, was the island fixed on.

Commodore Sir Gordon Bremer, with his broad pennant flying on board the 'Wellesley,' having established the blockade of the Canton River, left Macao Roads on the 24th of June, accompanied by Her Majesty's schooner 'Young Hebe' and four transports, and being joined on the way by the 'Atalanta' and 'Queen' steamers, reached the anchorage under the Buffalo's Nose, on the 1st July, where the squadron under Captain Bethune, of Her Majesty's ship 'Conway,' as Senior Captain, had before assembled.

The fleet consisted of the 'Wellesley,' 'Conway,' 'Alligator,' 'Cruiser,' 'Algerine,' 'Rattlesnake,' and 'Young Hebe;' and 'Atalanta' and 'Queen,' steamers.

The next day the fleet proceeded to an anchorage off Chusan, when Captain Bethune, accompanied by the Master of the 'Wellesley,' in the 'Atalanta' steam-sloop, reconnoitred the harbour, and sounded the passage up it.

The next day, the 4th, the 'Wellesley,' towed by the 'Atalanta,' and followed by the whole fleet, proceeded up the harbour; and when the flood made, the 'Wellesley' anchored abreast of the town of Ting-hai; 12 Chinese war-junks following from the lower anchorage.

On her passage the 'Wellesley' took on board two fishermen to act as pilots. The simple fellows had no idea that she was a ship-of-war, and told the crew that their mandarins would treat them with kindness, and allow them to trade a little. On being informed that the English were going to drive away the mandarins, and take possession--raising their hands, with a look of horror, they exclaimed, "You cannot! you cannot."

The appearance of the harbour of Chusan is very picturesque; and both the shore and the heights near the sea seemed to be thickly inhabited. The suburbs extend some way along the water's edge, with a wharf in front of them, near which were moored a large number of trading-craft.

As the British fleet entered the harbour, eleven war-junks bore down upon them, but put about and retired as they sailed on, ultimately forming a line in front of the trading-junks, as if to protect the shore from being invaded.

On the right was a rugged hill 200 feet high, with a joss-house on the summit, where some 800 men were posted, with six guns; while some 30 guns were placed along the wharfs; and on the left was a small Martello tower, mounting eight more.

About 600 troops occupied this space, who, aided by a large number of the inhabitants, were busily employed in fortifying the ramparts. The 'Conway' and 'Alligator,' as they came in, took up positions in front and flank of the hill with the joss-house on the summit.

The Commodore entertained hopes that the overwhelming force of the British would induce the Chinese to yield without striking a blow. He accordingly sent a summons to the Chinese Vice-Admiral, who was present in his junk, by Commander John Vernon Fletcher, of the 'Wellesley,' and Lord Viscount Jocelyn, attended by the Rev. Mr. Gutzlaff, the interpreter, demanding the surrender of the town and island within six hours.

The war-junks, which carry about 50 men each, are easily distinguished by their flaunting streamers, red-muzzled guns, and painted poops; that of the Admiral was known by its more numerous pennons, and three tigers' heads painted on the high stern. Captain Fletcher's party were received with perfect civility; and tea was handed to them. In half an hour, the Admiral, an old man, arrived; and, after some conversation, agreed to go on board the flagship. On reaching the 'Wellesley,' and the objects of the expedition being explained to him and his officers, he complained of the hardship that the people of that district should be made answerable by the English for wrongs they had received at Canton. "We see your strength," he observed, "and know that opposition will be madness, but we must perform our duty, though we fall in so doing." The Commodore on this, earnestly entreated them to spare an immense effusion of blood by yielding at once, and gave them till the following morning to consider the matter.

Their last words, before quitting the ship, were, "If you do not hear from us before sunrise, the consequences be upon our own heads." We quote partly, from Viscount Jocelyn's very interesting account of the affair. During the night, by the light of thousands of painted lanterns, one of which is carried by every Chinese who moves about after dark, crowds were perceived throwing up embankments, and placing gingalls and fresh guns in position, while the sound of gongs, and other warlike demonstrations, showed that the people were resolved not to yield without fighting. "The merchant junks were faintly seen through the shades of darkness, heaving up their heavy anchors, and stealing silently through the fleet, laden half-way up their masts, with goods and merchandize; and crowded with women and children. These were allowed to pass, although in their cargoes many a captain might have made his fortune."

As the morning of the 5th dawned, the quays and shore appeared lined with troops in considerable force, while, from the mastheads, numbers were seen on the plain between the suburbs and the city walls. The war-junks were hauled on shore, in line, with their rudders unhung, and, in addition to the guns before mentioned, presented 34 guns and 45 large gingalls.

At 8 A.M., the signal was hoisted to prepare for action; but the Commodore, anxious to save life, did not give the order to engage.

The flood-tide, at noon, brought the mass of the transports in; and the Commodore, hoping that, when the Chinese saw the troops preparing to land in full force, they would negotiate, still waited till 2 P.M., before he began the attack. The troops then left the transports, in the boats of the squadron, and took up their position in two lines, in rear of the men-of-war, to land under cover of their fire. At the same time a shot was fired from the 'Wellesley,' at the Round Tower, falling, as was intended, at the foot of it, without doing the slightest injury. This shot was instantly answered by the whole line of the Chinese defence, and was returned with terrible effect by the squadron; and the crashing of timber, falling houses, and groans of men resounded from the shore.

The cannonade lasted but from seven to eight minutes; though a few shots were heard from the junks, which were unhurt. When the smoke cleared away, a mass of ruin appeared; and on the place lately alive with men, a few wounded only were seen, among whom was the brave old Admiral, borne from his ship by a faithful few, with the loss of his leg, from a round shot.

The troops had fled, four junks were knocked to pieces, and the battery on the Custom-house wharf was destroyed. Before the last shot was fired the right wing of the 18th Royal Irish regiment, under the command of Major Adams, and the Royal Marines of the squadron, under the command of Captain Ellis, of the 'Wellesley,' forming the advance, landed, and were immediately followed by detachments of Her Majesty's 26th and 49th regiments of the Madras artillery, and sappers and miners, and the Bengal volunteer corps, and the remainder of the troops: and at 50 minutes past 2 P.M., the British flag floated on the first military position in the Chinese empire conquered by Her Majesty's forces. On the troops reaching the summit of the Temple hill, they discovered an inner town, on the ramparts of which appeared numerous banners, and crowds of soldiers beating their tom-toms and gongs, and beckoning the English to the attack, while they opened a fire from their wall-pieces which did no damage whatever. The Commodore and Brigadier Burrell, fearing from this the dreadful necessity of a breach and escalade, resolved not to attack the place till the following day. Fortunately for the cause of humanity, after a few shells had been fired into it, the Chinese troops evacuated the place during the night, and, with many of the inhabitants, fled into the country. The civil magistrate, with some of his officers, were killed, and the governor of the town drowned himself in despair.

By the fire of the ships, the Commodore expresses his thankfulness, in his despatch, that 25 persons only were killed, all fighting men. The old Admiral died in a few days at Ningpo, after honours had been heaped on him for his bravery. Though the ships of the squadron were frequently struck, no damage of the slightest consequence was done to them, and one man of the 'Conway' only was wounded.

The Commodore speaks of the zeal and activity of Capts. Bethune, Maitland, and Kuper, of Her Majesty's ships 'Conway,' 'Wellesley,' and 'Alligator;' Commanders Giffard and Fletcher, of the 'Cruiser' and 'Wellesley;' Lieut. Mason, of Her Majesty's brig 'Algerine;' Mr. Brodie, R.N., commanding Her Majesty's troop ship 'Rattlesnake;' and Mr. C. E. Hodgkinson, mate, R.N., commanding Her Majesty's schooner 'Young Hebe;' of the Commanders and officers of the Honourable East India Company's steam vessels of war, 'Atalanta' and 'Queen,' as also of every officer, seaman and marine in the squadron--remarks that the Royal Marines under Captain Ellis maintained the high character of their corps for steadiness and soldier-like good conduct--and he thanks Viscount Jocelyn for his readiness on all occasions, and expresses his satisfaction at the zeal, intelligence, and perseverance of the masters of the transports, and the regularity of their conduct throughout.

Chusan being thus easily gained, was held till the 24th of February in the following year, when it was evacuated that the troops and ships employed in its defence might take a part in the hostilities at that time more formally commenced against China. On the 7th of July, Admiral Elliot arrived at Chusan. On the 10th, a blockade of the China coast was established from Ningpo to the mouth of the Keang river. Captain Elliot, however, was employed for some time, though to little effect, in negotiating with the Chinese, and for this purpose entered in a steamer the river Peiho, which flows past Peking. A conference was held on shore, August 30th, below the town of Tientsing, between Captain Elliot and Keshen, the grand Commissioner, who superseded Lin. This town is at the head of the Great Canal of China, and the chief communication for trade with the north, and at its mouth was a large fleet of junks, so that had the Chinese turned restive, in a few hours the British squadron, by burning the town and fleet, might have struck a blow which would have speedily brought them to terms. Keshen showed himself a good diplomatist by obtaining time, which the Chinese employed in increasing their fortifications. The squadron sailed north, and visited the great wall of China, which was seen extending for a considerable distance along a plain, and terminating in a strongly-fortified town close to the sea. On the passage the boats of the 'Pylades' corvette, Captain Anson, were on the point of boarding three junks, when as they ranged along side one of them, upwards of a hundred men who had been concealed started up and commenced firing and hurling spears and stinkpots upon the crews. The British shoved off to a short distance, with two men killed and five wounded, and poured in some well-directed volleys which killed half the pirates; the remainder jumping overboard, and making for the shore, though many were drowned on their way. The other two pirates effected their escape.

During this time the 'Conway,' Captain Bethune, surveyed sixty miles of the course of the Yeang-se-Keang river, up which a line-of-battle ship might sail. During the survey, Mr. Harvey, a young midshipman of great promise, was sent on shore with a party to obtain cattle and vegetables, when they were set on by a body of natives. In the fray one seaman was killed, and Mr. Harvey was so dangerously wounded, that he died on the return of his ship to Chusan.

The 'Algerine,' 10 guns, Lieut.-Commander Mason, on passing the town of Chapoo, a place of great trade with Japan, was fired on from a strong fort, mounting a large number of guns. He immediately ranged up under the batteries which he engaged for three hours, during which time the Chinese kept up a heavy fire, and he had almost expended his ammunition before he silenced them. A mandarin on the ramparts showed much courage, by freely exposing himself, and directing his soldiers, while the shot from the brig was falling round him in all directions.

The soldiers, kept without employment in Chusan, suffered much by the poisonous exhalations from the paddy-fields, from the effects of which numbers died, while the seamen of the 'Melville,' which was hove down, having got part of her keel torn away, perfectly kept their health for the six weeks she was under repair. It was a favourite exploit of the Chinese to kidnap the English; and Captain Anstruther, an officer of Madras artillery, was thus carried off while taking a survey within a mile of the encampment at Chusan. The crew of the 'Kite' wrecked on the coast, and Mrs. Noble, the captain's wife, were also captured, but they were all ultimately set at liberty on Chusan being given up to the Chinese.

We now bid farewell to Chusan, and have to describe another important exploit performed by Captain Smith.

CAPTAIN SMITH DEFEATS CHINESE AT THE MACAO BARRIER,

August 19th, 1840.

A Mr. Staunton having been carried away from Macao, as Captain Anstruther had been from Chusan, Captain Smith, senior officer on the station, sent to demand his release from the mandarin commanding the Chinese force at the barriers at Macao. This barrier is composed of a wall and ditch, with parapets, and had been recently strengthened. It runs across the isthmus joining Macao to the mainland, and beyond it the Portuguese have no jurisdiction. The mandarin, in reply, agreed to go to Canton to bring back Mr. Staunton, but instead, returned with 800 fresh troops. This, in addition to rumours he had heard, convinced Captain Smith that an attack was intended probably on Macao itself. Taking, therefore, the 'Larne' and 'Hyacinth,' with the 'Enterprise' steamer, and 'Louisa' cutter, he ran as close up to the barrier as the depth of water would allow, and opened a warm fire upon the whole of the Chinese works and barracks, which was well returned. In about an hour, the fire of the enemy being almost silenced, a gun was landed on the beach, which effectually raked their position, while a body of marines, under Lieut. Maxwell, with some small-arm men from the 'Druid,' under Lieut. Goldsmith, and about two companies of Bengal volunteers, under Captain Shee, 380 men in all, disembarked and drove the Chinese with much loss from every one of their positions. The guns were spiked, and the whole of the troops fled, nor did they ever again occupy the barrier. Two junks were sunk, and the rest allowed to escape round the opposite point, and the barracks and the other buildings were burned. The British having four men only wounded, re-embarked, and the ships returned the same evening to their former anchorage in Macao Roads. This well-timed and important piece of service of Captain Smith's was the last hostile movement of the British during the year 1840. On 6th November, a truce was announced by Admiral Elliot, and on the 29th, he resigned his command from extreme ill health, and returned to England, leaving Sir Gordon Bremer as Commander-in-Chief.

CAPTURE OF THE BOGUE FORTS, CHUENPEE AND TYCOCKTOW,

January 7th, 1841.

The British naval force now consisted of 'Wellesley,' 78, Captain Maitland, (bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Sir Gordon Bremer); 'Blenheim,' 74, Sir W. Le Fleming Senhouse; 'Melville,' 74, Hon. E. S. Dundas; 'Calliope,' Captain Herbert; 'Samarang,' 28, Captain Scott; 'Druid,' 44, Captain Smith: 'Sulphur' (surveying ship), Commander Belcher; 'Larne,' 18, Commander Blake; 'Hyacinth,' 18, Commander Warren; 'Modeste,' 18, Commander Eyres; 'Columbine,' 18, Commander Clarke; 'Starling,' Lieut. H. Kellett. Steamers, 'Queen,' 'Nemesis,' 'Madagascar,' and 'Enterprize.'

While negotiations were in progress, an edict was issued by the Emperor, ordering that all English ships and Englishmen should be destroyed, whenever encountered in or near China; and, as the Chinese were strengthening their forts, and collecting troops in all directions, it was evident they intended to try the fortune of war. It was, therefore, determined that an attack should be made on Canton itself, previous to which, it was necessary to capture the forts at the entrance and on the banks of the river. For this purpose scaling-ladders of bamboo, and a landing-stage for disembarking the troops, were constructed, and all preparations were speedily made. The entrance of the Canton River is called the Boca Tigris (the Tiger's Mouth), and on the shores on either side, for a considerable distance, are constructed a line of forts, which were believed by the Chinese to be impregnable; and from their appearance outside, they had been looked upon, even by foreigners, as of great strength. They are known by the name of the Bogue Forts. On first entering the river, two extensive stone forts are seen, one on each side; that on the right or eastern side, with two conical eminences towering above it, at the extremity of a promontory, is called Chuenpee; while on the left or west side of the river, here three miles wide, on a smaller promontory, called Tycocktow, is a line of strong batteries faced with granite, close to the shore. These were the forts now to be attacked by the squadron under Sir Gordon Bremer. We will first give an account of

THE CAPTURE OF CHUENPEE.

At eight o'clock on the morning of the 7th of January, the Royal Marines of the squadron under the command of Major Ellis, the detachments of the 26th and 49th Regiments, and the 37th Madras Native Infantry and Bengal Volunteers, were landed about two miles below Chuenpee, accompanied by a detachment of Royal Artillery, with one 24-pound howitzer, and two 6-pound field-guns, together with a division of the seamen belonging to the 'Wellesley,' 'Blenheim,' and 'Melville,' in all about 1,400, under the command of Major Pratt of the 26th Cameronians. The difficult task of landing and embarking the troops was duly managed by Lieut. Symonds of H.M.S. 'Wellesley.'

The leading troops were the Royal Marines and the Royal Artillery, the guns being dragged along by the blue jackets, under Lieut. Wilson, of H.M.S. 'Blenheim.' The road lay through a winding valley for nearly two miles, until a transverse ridge was reached, whence the whole of the Chinese works could be viewed. They consisted of a strongly-entrenched camp, flanked by small field-batteries, and connected with the hill fort above by a high breastwork. The object of the Chinese was evidently to protect the rear of the fort, which was the key of the position. While the guns of the Royal Artillery fired from the ridge, the Marines crossing the shoulder of the hills, drove the Chinese from it, and then descending into the valley beyond, came upon a second encampment with a small field battery, which was soon cleared.

The eastern division of the squadron for the attack of Chuenpee, placed under Captain Herbert, consisted of 'Calliope,' 'Larne,' 'Hyacinth,' and steamers 'Queen,' and 'Nemesis.' Commander Belcher, of the 'Sulphur' (surveying vessel), had lately arrived on the station, and the 'Queen' and 'Nemesis' were placed in position by him for throwing shells into the upper fort, and soon made an impression. The rest of the ships attacked the lower fort on the sea face, the 'Samarang,' leading her division in gallant style direct for the centre of the battery, and anchoring within half a cable's length of the walls, followed by the 'Modeste,' 'Druid,' and 'Columbine,' and in less than an hour silenced the guns, although a number of troops remained within the walls. By 10 o'clock the troops had carried the entrenchments with their field-batteries. Major Pratt himself, and two or three marines, were in possession of the upper fort, on which they had hoisted the British colours. The lower fort was speedily surrounded and stormed, by the entrance as well as by the wall, by a party of Royal Marines, and the Union Jack displayed on the ramparts. Eleven large war-junks were anchored in shoal water in Anson's Bay, to the eastward of the position, and as soon as the Marines were seen to enter the upper battery, Commander Belcher leading, accompanied by Lieut. Kellett, in the 'Nemesis,' Captain Hall with the boats of the 'Calliope,' under her First Lieut. Watson, pushed on for the junks, firing with grape and canister into Lower Chuenpee on the way. The 'Nemesis,' drawing not more than five and a half or six feet, enabled her to get close up to the junks before opening fire, when several well-directed guns put them completely into confusion. The first rocket forced its way into the magazine of the ship next the Admiral, which blew up with a terrific explosion. The boats then moved on and set fire to the junks in the lower part of the river. Some of them, however, retreating under canvas, kept up a very spirited fire on the chasing boats, gallantly led by Lieut. Watson of the 'Calliope.' Two ran on shore and were destroyed, the rest escaped. Some of the junks were hung round with large nets, with which the Chinese proposed to catch the British as they came alongside. They took the idea from seeing boarding nettings in English ships, without knowing their use. Old Admiral Kwan lost the red button of his cap, the emblem of his rank, but it was found and restored to him by Commander Belcher. It was reported that the brave old man sought his death at the hands of his foe, but was borne off by his attendants. Captain Hall speaks of the able assistance he received on this and many other occasions, from Mr. Crouch, a gunnery mate of the 'Wellesley,' who was permitted to serve on board the 'Nemesis.' Besides the Chinese who were shot by the troops as they advanced, a large number, not aware that quarter would be granted them, threw themselves from the battlements, or were drowned in attempting to swim away. The Commander of the fort was killed at the head of his men, and his son, determined not to survive, threw himself into the sea and perished. Many were burned by their clothes catching fire from their matches, aided by their pouches filled with powder. Though the larger proportion endeavoured to fly, many fought bravely to the last. The guns of all the forts were destroyed, the magazines blown up, and the barracks and houses burnt.

CAPTURE OF TYCOCKTOW.

While the affair we have just described was going on on the east side of the river, Captain Scott, in the 'Samarang,' gallantly led his division against Tycocktow on the west side, which commenced its fire at about 20 minutes past 10 o'clock, but he did not reply till 10 minutes afterwards, when he had anchored abreast of it, about 200 yards off, as near as the depth of water would allow the ship to approach. The 'Modeste,' 'Druid,' and 'Columbine' anchored in succession, and in a few minutes so destructive and well directed was the fire of the ships, that with the exception of one or two occasionally, all the guns of the enemy were silenced. At 20 minutes after 11, a practicable breach having been made in the southern end of the fort, the boats were manned and armed, and proceeded to storm it. Lieutenant Bower, First Lieutenant of the 'Samarang,' immediately landed, supported by the boats of the 'Modeste,' while those of the 'Druid' and 'Columbine,' under the command of Lieutenant Goldsmith, senior of the 'Druid,' proceeded to the north end.

The Chinese attempted to defend the breach, and Lieutenant Bower was severely wounded by a sabre-cut on the knee, but they were speedily driven back by the gallant and determined rush onwards of the seamen; and so appalled were the Chinese, that they made a hasty retreat over the hill wall, leaving the British masters of the fort. Mr. Luard, on this occasion, behaved most gallantly in the breach.

From the number of wounded lying in every direction the loss of the enemy must have been very severe. Their wounded having been carried away clear of the fort, the whole of the buildings and magazines were blown up, and the guns, amounting to 25 longs of different calibre, were spiked, the trunnions knocked off, a shot wrapped round with wet canvas driven hard home in each, were then thrown into the sea, their carriages being burnt.

DESTRUCTION OF WAR JUNKS IN ANSON'S BAY,*

January 7th, 1841.

* Particulars from "The Nemesis in China."

The day on which the forts of Chuenpee and Tycocktow were captured, the 'Nemesis' took a most distinguished part in the total destruction of the Chinese squadron of war-junks, under the command of Admiral Kwan., which completed the discomfiture of the Chinese by sea and by land. Some of the boats of the 'Calliope,' 'Hyacinth,' 'Larne,' 'Sulphur,' and 'Starling' co-operated with her in the action, in which Lieutenants Watson and Harrison, and other officers of the 'Calliope' and 'Larne' deservedly won their laurels.

At the bottom of Anson's Bay was the entrance of a small river, unknown until now, having a small island at its mouth, somewhat on the Chuenpee side. Within this, and in a measure protected by a sand-bar, which ran out from it, lay the Chinese fleet of about 15 war-junks, moored in a good position in shallow water, so as to prevent the near approach of the British ships. Directions had been given to Captain Herbert, of the 'Calliope,' to make arrangements for the attack of these war-junks as soon as the defences on Chuenpee should have fallen; the moment, therefore, that it was perceived on board the 'Nemesis,' as she ran up towards the lower battery, and poured in her grape and canister, that the upper fort had fallen, so that the lower one would not longer hold out, she hastened, without a moment's delay, to the attack of the enemy's squadron. Full steam was set on, without waiting to see what other measures might be taken elsewhere to effect the object. In her anxiety to secure the post of honour, the 'Nemesis' rounded the point of Chuenpee a little too close, and struck rather heavily upon a rocky reef running out some distance from it, but upon which it was thought that there was still water enough to enable her to float safely. She did indeed pass over it, but not without striking; but her iron frame did not hang upon it as a wooden one would probably have done, and she proceeded, without even stopping her engines. The force of the blow, however, was considerable enough to break the outer paddle-ring of one of her wheels, together with two of the long arms attached to it, and would probably have more seriously damaged a wooden vessel. About this time, Captain Belcher, of the 'Sulphur,' joined her, with two of his ship's boats, anxious to partake of the honour of the affair. A few of the 'Sulphur's' seamen also came on board. As she pushed along, she was also reinforced by Lieutenant Kellett, of the 'Starling,' who brought his gig or whaleboat, and subsequently did good service by occasionally pointing the foremost gun of the 'Nemesis,' at his own request, with great precision.

On approaching the position in which the Chinese junks were drawn up, it was perceived to be well chosen, with scarcely more than five feet water round the vessels, so that, in fact, they could not be attacked in front except by boats; however, the 'Nemesis,' having the great advantage of drawing less than six feet water, was able to approach near enough to bring her two 32-pounder pivot-guns to bear within good range. Just at this moment, also a large boat or pinnace of the 'Larne,' under the command of Lieutenant Harrison, was observed making its way round the outside of the little island, with a view to cut off the junks in the rear; a bold manœuvre, which, as on many similar occasions during the war, took the Chinese by surprise, and struck them with a wholesome terror, even before they came to close quarters. The first Congreve rocket fired from the 'Nemesis' was seen to enter the large junk against which it was directed, near the Admiral, and almost the instant afterwards it blew up, with a terrific explosion, launching into eternity every soul on board, and pouring forth its blaze like the mighty rush of fire from a volcano. There was a momentary pause in the contest, both sides seeming appalled by the sudden catastrophe. The rocket had penetrated into the magazine of the junk, or had ignited some of the loose powder so often scattered carelessly about the decks by the Chinese gunners. They naturally felt that the same fate might readily befall any of the other junks; and after some discharges of round shot had been thrown into the nearest junks (four of them were afterwards found lodged in the Admiral's junk), their crews were observed endeavouring to escape on shore, some on the little island and others upon Chuanpee; while, at the same time, the cables of the junks were cut away by those remaining on board, in order that they might drift on shore, and enable the rest to escape.

The Chinese hauled down their colours on board their junks at about half-past 11 o'clock, but continued firing afterwards. At about 12 o'clock the boats of the 'Nemesis,' in company with the others which were present, put off to board the junks. Only two of the smaller ones succeeded in getting away up a small branch of the river, while two more escaped, for the moment, up another principal branch to a large town, but were subsequently captured. Some of the junks drifted on shore; and as there could be no use in saving them, they were all successively set on fire, by order of Captain Belcher, and ultimately blew up. Altogether, 11 junks were destroyed on the spot. Scarcely had this duty been completed by the different boats engaged, when the 'Nemesis' hastened on up the river, and at the distance of about three miles came upon a large town, where she found two war-junks moored close to the shore, but abandoned by their crews. The consternation of the people was extreme, and they were running away from the town in all directions. The tide was now beginning to fall; and as the water was not deep, and the bar would soon become impassable, and the day was already far advanced, it was thought better to return, without exploring the river higher up. Taking the two junks in tow, the 'Nemesis' again descended the river; but one of the junks, getting aground on the bar at the entrance, was obliged to be left behind, while the other was taken safely down; and soon after 5 P.M. the 'Nemesis' joined the squadron off Chuenpee, and received the thanks of the Commodore for the services she had rendered during the day. She had received no important damage, the paddle-box only having been injured by a well-directed shot from one of the junks.

The burning of the junks was a service attended with some danger to those employed in it, for the guns on board, many of them being still loaded, went off as soon as the fire reached them, threatening to do serious damage to the 'Nemesis' as she passed near. On the following day the principal part of the guns were recovered, altogether upwards of 80 in number, of which 8 or 10 were handsome brass Portuguese guns, 6, 9, and 12 pounders.

In the two affairs, 2 military officers and 28 soldiers and 1 naval officer and 8 seamen were wounded; 173 guns were captured.

The following day, as the fleet were about to attack the fort of Anunghoy, a little boat, with a flag of truce from Admiral Kwan, came off, in which were the somewhat curious envoys, an old man and a woman, bearing proposals for a cessation of hostilities.

Captain Elliot, ever anxious to save life, entered at once into terms with Commissioner Keshen. They were to the effect that the island of Hong Kong, situated off the peninsula of Cowloon, within the island of Lama, should be ceded to the British, and that in return the forts of Chuenpee and Tycocktow should be given up; and that on Captain Anstruther, Mrs. Noble, &c., being set at liberty, Chusan should be evacuated. Formal possession was accordingly taken of Hong Kong on the 26th of January, and the 'Columbine' was sent to Chusan to withdraw the troops and ship them.

The Emperor, however, rejecting the conditions agreed to by Keshen, who had been superseded, hostilities were once more resumed against China on the 23rd February. The troops and ships left at liberty by the evacuation of Chusan were moved south, and preparations were made to capture the remaining forts on the river Canton, an account of which events we will now give.

BOCA TIGRIS FORTS TAKEN BY SIR GORDON BREMER,

February 23th.

The 'Nemesis' waited at the Boca Tigris till the night of the 18th for an answer from the Chinese Commissioner; and as she was about to return to the squadron, her boat, which had been sent up the river, was fired on from North Wantong. Accounts of the warlike preparations of the Chinese were also received, and a proclamation appeared, offering 50,000 dollars for the heads of Sir Gordon Bremer or Captain Elliot. The Commodore, in consequence, seeing that peace could no longer he preserved, instantly detached the light division under Captain Herbert, of the 'Calliope,' who was accompanied by Captain Elliot, to prevent the Chinese from making further preparations, while he, returning to Hong Kong, brought up the line-of-battle ships, and 'Queen' and 'Madagascar' steamers, followed by the 'Druid,' 'Jupiter,' and transports.

Captain Herbert proceeded on the 22nd on board the 'Nemesis,' with some boats of the squadron, up a channel at the back of Anunghoy. On the way the expedition found a line of strong stakes and rafts carried directly across the channel; and while the boats were engaged in clearing away the obstruction, a masked battery of 20 guns opened on them. This was quickly silenced, and the enemy fled, leaving 30 dead; their colours were taken by Lieut. Bower, senior lieutenant of the 'Samarang;' the guns were destroyed, and the magazines burnt.

DESCRIPTION OF ANUNGHOY AND WANTONG.

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 it were mounted 42 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 hills were crowned with guns, up to a camp calculated for about 1,200 men. At the north side was a straight work of modern erection, mounting 60 heavy guns. About 150 yards of rocky beach intervenes between the end of this battery and the northern circular battery, on which 40 guns were mounted. All the works were protected in the rear by a high wall extending up to the hill, on which were steps or platforms for firing musketry, and in the interior were magazines, barracks, &c.

On the east end of the island of North Wantong 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 Wantong, and the other on Anunghoy. On the western end of North Wantong was a strong battery of 40 guns, flanked by a field-work of 17 guns, indeed the whole island was one continued battery. On the extreme western side of the channel was a battery of 22 heavy guns, and a field-work of 17 protecting an entrenched camp containing 1,500 or 2,000 men. South Wantong was not occupied by the Chinese, and therefore, as it was an excellent position, a party of the British landed on the night of the 25th, and threw up a work mounting two 8-inch iron, and one 24-pounder brass howitzer, notwithstanding a heavy fire which was kept up on them by the Chinese during the greater part of the time they were at work. At day-break of the 26th, Captain Knowles, Royal Artillery, opened this battery with admirable effect, throwing shells and rockets into North Wantong, and occasionally into Anunghoy, which fire the Chinese returned with considerable spirit from an opposite battery.

At eleven o'clock a breeze springing up, the signal was made, and the fleet stood in. Captain Sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse, of the 'Blenheim,' 74, with the 'Melville,' 74, and 'Queen' steamer, and four rocket-boats, proceeded to attack Anunghoy, while the 'Wellesley,' 'Calliope,' 'Samarang,' 'Druid,' 'Herald,' 'Alligator,' and 'Modeste,' were opposed to the batteries on the south, south-west, and north-west of Wantong, and the forts on the western side of the channel.

The 'Madagascar' and 'Nemesis' steamers were employed in landing the troops.

The hill of Anunghoy was crowned with Chinese troops, and their guns began firing as the ships approached, though still beyond range. The 'Blenheim' leading, and followed by the 'Melville,' slowly glided on without returning a shot till they took up their positions opposite the great battery, when they opened their broadsides with terrific effect, while the 'Queen' and rocket-boats did their full share in the work of destruction. In a short time the batteries being silenced, Sir Le Fleming Senhouse perceiving that the enemy were shaken, landed at the head of the marines and blue-jackets on the southern battery, and speedily drove them, in succession from that and the two other batteries. During the heat of the action, one of the boats of the 'Melville' got adrift, and was being carried by the tide close under the batteries. Commander Sullivan, supernumerary commander on board, perceiving this, instantly jumped into his gig, and pulled off to recover the boat, in doing which, he was exposed to the close fire of the batteries, but he fortunately escaped unhurt, and brought the boat back safely to the ship.

In less than an hour the other division had silenced the batteries on Wantong, and the troops and marines having landed in a few minutes, were masters of the island without any loss, 1,300 Chinese surrendering themselves prisoners.

Thus, by one o'clock, the British colours were flying on the whole chain of those celebrated works.

The British had five men wounded slightly in the whole force. The main top-mast 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' had her main top-mast wounded, and rigging considerably injured. The 'Calliope' was struck in several places, and the other ships had merely a few ropes cut.

The Chinese loss was computed at 500, in killed and wounded, and 339 guns were taken. Many of the Chinese officers bravely met their death, and even courted it. Among others was the gallant old Admiral Kwan, who fell by a bayonet wound in the breast as he attempted to defend the gate of Anunghoy, refusing even when summoned to surrender. His body was recognized and claimed by his family the following day, when a salute of minute-guns was fired to his honour by the 'Blenheim.'

About four o'clock a party of the 'Wellesley's' marines, under Lieut. Maitland, in her boats, with the boats of the 'Nemesis,' under Captain Hall and Lieut. Pedder, were sent across to capture a fort called Little Tycocktow. The Chinese fired on them, and then fled in disorder, the guns were spiked, the magazines, &c. set fire to, and their encampment blazing up, threw a lurid glare over the scene of slaughter and confusion of the day.

DESTRUCTION OF WAR-JUNKS IN WHAMPOA REACH,

27th February.

On the morning of the 27th, the light squadron, consisting of 'Calliope,' 'Herald,' 'Alligator,' 'Sulphur,' 'Modeste,' 'Madagascar,' and 'Nemesis,' steamers, under Captain Herbert, were sent up the river to destroy any fortifications they might meet with. Piloted by Captain Elliot, who, from constantly going up and down, had a perfect knowledge of the shoals, they effected the passage without difficulty, passing Tiger Island and the second bar, and reaching the first bar at noon. From this position the enemy were observed strongly fortified on the left bank of the river close to Whampoa Roads. A large mud fort mounted on the river front forty-seven guns, on the left flank, three, and a field-work four. Extending across the river was a line of rafts secured to sunken junks, on the other side of which appeared 40 large junks and an old East Indiaman called the 'Cambridge,' of 900 tons, armed with thirty-four guns, and which carried an Admiral's flag at the main. On approaching within three miles, Captain Herbert, accompanied by Captain Elliot and Commander Belcher, proceeded with the steamers to reconnoitre, and endeavour to find out a clear passage. On advancing, a heavy fire was opened on the steamers, which was immediately returned with great effect. The ships were now brought up, the 'Sulphur' leading, and immediately, from a well-chosen position, they opened a heavy fire on the junks, the 'Cambridge,' and the batteries. In about an hour the fires of their batteries and fleet were nearly silenced, when the marines and small-arm men were landed, and stormed the works, driving before them upwards of 2,000 of the Chinese troops, and killing nearly 300. In about half an hour after landing, all the defences were carried, though in some places the Chinese behaved with unusual bravery and obstinacy, the officers showing much courage, one particularly, discharging four arrows at Mr. Hall, before he was shot by a marine. In the mean time, the boats of the 'Calliope,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Modeste,' were sent to attack the 'Cambridge,' but as she was protected by the rafts, they could not approach her. Lieut. Watson, First of the 'Calliope,' however, having gallantly succeeded in dragging one of the boats across the rafts, launched her on the other side. Meantime the seamen had kept up a hot fire on a body of Chinese collected on the deck of the 'Cambridge.' As soon as the boat was in the water, she took on board Lieut. Watson, Mr. Brown, master of the 'Calliope,' Mr. Hall and Mr. Galbraith of the 'Nemesis' and Mr. St. Leger, with nine or ten men, and pulled away for the 'Cambridge.' So confused were the Chinese, that as the boarding party climbed up on the port side, they jumped overboard on the other, and many were drowned in attempting to swim on shore. Mr. St. Leger, mate of the 'Calliope,' had the honour of hauling down the Admiral's flag. A number of dead and wounded were found on her decks, a proof of the good practice of the ships. The Chinese had put her in good order for action, fire-buckets were placed in readiness on her decks, and everything was clean and well arranged. As she was an old ship she was devoted to destruction; and the wounded being carried on shore, and every part searched to ascertain that no Chinese remained concealed on board, at five o'clock she was set on fire. In a little more than an hour, the flames reaching the magazine, she blew up with a terrific explosion, the sound of which must have reached the walls of Canton, and struck terror into the hearts of the inhabitants. The junks, meantime, had escaped up the river, and the rafts prevented the ships from pursuing them.

Lieut. Stransham, commanding Royal Marines of 'Calliope,' directed and arranged the marines of the squadron, supported by Lieut. C. C. Hewett, R.M. of 'Herald,' and Lieut. Hayes Marriott, R.M. of 'Alligator,' and used his best endeavours to repress the destruction of life after resistance had ceased.

In the whole affair one seamen was killed, and six seamen and two marines were wounded. The great raft across the river, which had cost the Chinese a large sum of money extracted from the Hong merchants, was with much labour cleared away on the following day, and a passage was thus opened for the squadron to proceed up to Whampoa. As soon as intelligence of this affair reached Sir Gordon Bremer, he set off to join the advanced squadron, taking with him the marines of the 'Wellesley,' and a hundred seamen under Captain Maitland. The marines of the 'Blenheim,' 'Melville,' and 'Druid,' followed with a number of boats well armed.

The 'Queen' steamer also towed up the 'Eagle' transport, and the 'Madagascar' towed up the 'Sophia' transport.

CAPTURE OF MASKED BATTERY BY LIEUT. SYMONDS, R.N.,
COMMANDER BELCHER, H.M.S. 'SULPHUR,' COMMANDING,

March 1st.

The 'Nemesis' having been sent to explore a branch of the Canton River, called the Jurak, a large body of Chinese were observed collecting near a fort named Howqua's Folly, and it was also discovered that a line of stakes was driven across the stream. The Commodore despatched the 'Sulphur,' Commander Belcher, with three boats of the 'Wellesley,' under the command of Lieutenant Symonds, the First-lieutenant of that ship, on the following morning, to proceed with the examination.

On rounding a point on the right bank, they came in front of a low battery of 25 guns, masked by thick branches of trees, which opened a heavy fire on them. Lieutenant Symonds instantly ordered the boats to pull towards the shore, and gallantly dashing into the battery, drove the enemy before him and killed several of their number.

The 'Sulphur' anchored, and a few shot from her compelled a body of the enemy who had taken shelter in some thick underwood in the vicinity to fly. The guns were destroyed, and the magazine and other consumable materials were set on fire. The number of troops, who were of the chosen Tartars, was about 250, and their loss was from 15 to 20 killed. The British lost one seaman of the 'Wellesley' killed, and the boats were repeatedly struck by grape-shot.

FURTHER ADVANCE OF SQUADRON, AND CAPTURE OF
HOWQUA'S FORT,

March 5th.

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 British ships seen from the walls of Canton.

On the 2nd of March, the 'Cruiser' arrived, having on board Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, who took command of the land forces. About this time, the 'Pylades,' 'Blonde,' 'Conway,' and 'Nimrod,' with transports conveying troops from Chusan, arrived in the Canton River, much increasing the British force.

Howqua's fort, on the right bank of the river, had a large number of guns mounted on it, and it was further protected by stakes with junks sunk between them, and a strong raft placed across the stream. The most conspicuous object on it was a joss-house projecting into the stream. On the 5th, Sir Hugh Gough, leading the marines and a detachment of the 20th, landed at the joss-house, to attack it, while 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.

At noon, the Kwang-Chow-Foo or Prefect of Canton, accompanied by the Hong merchants, came down entreating for a cessation of hostilities, and saying, that as Keshen was degraded, and no one had arrived to supply his place, there was no government authority to treat for peace. On this, Sir Hugh Gough and Sir G. Bremer, at the request of Capt. Elliot, agreed not to advance further; but, in a short time information was received that the Chinese were more busy than ever constructing fire-rafts, in raising fortifications, and in carrying their valuables out of the city, while the people were prohibited from taking supplies to the squadron.

While such was the state of things, two affairs took place which we must recount.

CAPTURE OF MACAO FORT,

March 13th.

The Macao fort is situated about 10 miles from the anchorage of Whampoa, up a narrow and intricate channel, which ends in the broadway or Macao passage from Canton. This was the last remaining fort protecting the approaches to the city of Canton. As by its capture, the British would obtain the command of the river both above and below the city, while the citizens would have to depend on their mercy for their daily food, the 'Modeste,' 'Starling,' 'Sulphur,' and 'Madagascar,' with the boats of the squadron, under Captain Herbert, were despatched by the Commodore to take it. The Chinese were devoting the whole of their attention to strengthening this important post, and had rendered it one of the strongest which had been encountered. They had also constructed rafts across the river on both sides of the fort, strengthened by piles and sunken junks, and flanked by a sand-battery mounting eight guns.

The 'Sulphur' was unable to get up the narrow passage. The 'Modeste,' Commander Eyres, was brought to an excellent position within 600 yards of the fort, towed by the 'Madagascar,' which was cleverly piloted by Lieutenant Collinson. Captain Kuper, and Commanders Barlow, Giffard, Anson, and Clarke, volunteered their services, and gave much assistance throughout the affair. The boats were under the directions of Captain Bethune, and the marines were commanded by Lieutenant Stransham, assisted by Lieutenants Hewitt, Marriott, and Polkinghorne, who acquitted themselves with the customary gallantry of their corps. The 'Modeste' and 'Madagascar' steamers, with the boats of the squadron, commenced the attack about 5 P.M.; the Chinese keeping up a well-directed and animated fire till the English were under the walls, and in the act of storming, when they gave way and fled in all directions; the whole of their works being thus carried in about half an hour. Their loss was not known. The casualties of the British were--three wounded.

Captain Herbert speaks in commendation of Mr. Dicey, commander of the 'Madagascar,' and Lieut. Fowlis, of the Madras artillery.

BROADWAY PASSAGE FROM MACAO TO WHAMPOA FORCED,

March 14th.

The Chinese firmly believed that the inner passage from Macao to Whampoa was perfectly impenetrable to foreigners. To assist in humbling their pride, Captain Elliot wished to have it forced; and Captain Scott, senior officer in Macao Roads, agreeing with him, made preparation for carrying it into effect.