Chapter V: Part 5

On her voyage from Amoy to Chusan, having been separated from the fleet in consequence of thick and squally weather, and having lost her fore top-mast and fore gallant-mast, she came to an anchor under a small island about thirty-five miles from Sheipoo, and between fifty and sixty from the Buffalo's Nose.

On the 16th of Sept., Mr. Hall landed on the island with a party of men to look for wood, which was much needed for fuel, and also for refreshments for the crew, and took the opportunity to ascend a high hill for the sake of observing the neighbouring country. The haze cleared off sufficiently to enable him to discover the entrance to an extensive harbour. He thought he could make out something like batteries or field-works at the entrance. The opportunity for earning some further distinction for his beloved 'Nemesis' was too tempting to be neglected. It was also probable that a good supply of fuel would be found near the town; a consideration never to be lost sight of for a steamer. The state of the weather, which still continued very unsettled, and prevented the ship from putting to sea, encouraged him to undertake the enterprise he contemplated.

Soon after daylight on the 17th, a large junk hove in sight, which was boarded in the hope of gaining some information, but was not otherwise molested. Nothing important was elicited. The 'Nemesis,' however, stood in for the entrance of the harbour, which was very narrow, but fortunately she soon fell in with a fishing-boat, with several fishermen in her. They were at once brought to, and made to understand that one of them must come on board and pilot the vessel into the harbour; and he was promised ten dollars if he took her in without any accident; but if she touched ground, it was hinted to him, that he would immediately be run up to the yard-arm, to atone either for his treachery or his misfortune, whichever it might be. At first the poor fellow was in a dreadful state of alarm, but after being made more clearly to understand the conditions, he gradually recovered his self-possession. The tide swept into the narrow entrance of the harbour so rapidly, that the 'Nemesis' was fairly carried through the passage before the two small field-works intended to protect it could bring a single gun to bear upon her; but the Chinese were seen running down from their little encampment above to man the guns.

At the bottom of the harbour, the town now came in view, with a number of trading-junks moored in close lines on one side of it, while on the other there was a small fort which appeared to have been strengthened recently, but was left almost unprotected in the rear. About five or six hundred men were drawn up on a rising ground behind the fort, so that it was evident the Chinese were prepared for defence. The 'Nemesis' immediately ran in towards the fort, and took up a flanking position, anchoring by the stern between it and the town, so as to bring her guns to bear with the greatest advantage without exposing herself to the direct fire of the fort. Shot, shell, and canister were now poured in, and the fort was soon silenced; but at the same time troops could be seen descending from the hill behind, and bringing with them heavy gingals mounted on triangular stands, as if they intended to oppose a landing.

A few discharges of grape-shot, however, killed many of them, and threw them into great disorder, on which Captain Hall landed at the head of all the men who could be spared from the ship, and took possession of the fort, the Chinese flying before them; two brass and two iron guns were destroyed in the fort, the temporary sheds, buildings, were set on fire, and water was poured into the magazine to destroy the powder. It was not thought necessary to follow the Chinese, who had retreated to the hill again, or to attempt to enter the town itself, from which no good result could be expected, as the retreat of so small a party to the boats might in the mean time have been cut off, or, at all events, attended with some loss.

As soon as the whole party had returned on board, boats were sent out, manned and armed, to search for fuel, and also to attempt to capture three large war-junks, which had been seen on the way up the harbour. All the trading-junks were left unmolested, but several well-filled wood-junks were soon picked out, and in a short time no less than seven boat-loads of excellent wood were obtained, amounting in all to about 70 tons. Much labour was required to bring off so large a quantity, and to stow it away expeditiously; nevertheless, during this operation, one of the war-junks was captured (the crew having deserted her), and as soon as she was towed clear of the town and shipping, so as not to cause any unnecessary damage, she was set on fire in the middle of the harbour, and shortly blew up. Two guns, and a quantity of gingals, matchlocks, swords, &c., were destroyed in her. By eleven o'clock the wooding party had finished their labours, and as a fresh body of troops appeared to be collecting near the town, the steamer again ran in, and poured a shower of grape and canister into the midst of them, which made them instantly disperse. It was now mid-day, and officers and men were thoroughly fatigued with their exertions since daylight; the steamer was therefore moved to the upper end of the harbour, while the men were quietly piped to dinner. The day's work, however, was not yet finished, and about two o'clock the cutters were sent away, manned and armed, under Mr. Galbraith, to destroy the other two war-junks which had been seen in the morning, one of which was found to mount 14 guns, and contained a large quantity of powder, with numerous warlike implements of various kinds. One of them was towed out into the middle of the harbour, and set on fire; the other blew up close in shore, where she was aground. Some of the common Chinese labourers ran down to the shore to endeavour to extinguish the fire on board the junk, but they were instantly driven off by a few round-shot. Throughout the day the hills which surrounded the harbour were covered with people, who crowded out of the town, and from all the neighbouring villages, to witness the exploits of the "devil-ship," the rapidity of whose movements, the precision of her fire, and the volumes of smoke and steam which issued from her, seeming to awaken feelings of awe and mute astonishment even more than fear; and on seeing the destruction of the war-junks, while the merchant-junks remained uninjured, they appeared satisfied that no mischief was threatened against the unarmed inhabitants, so long as they did not interfere.

The day was now far advanced, and it only remained to capture the two forts or field-works upon the island, just within the mouth of the harbour. A shot or two had previously been fired at them in the course of the morning, but it was now determined to take possession of them and destroy the works. A few shells and rockets were discharged into them from the steamer, as she neared them, and the boats then put off, manned and armed. The Chinese had only just abandoned them. The two field-works were very near each other, and were found to mount nine guns, which were spiked, their carriages destroyed, and the tents of the soldiers were set on fire. About five o'clock the 'Nemesis' again made her way out of the harbour without any accident, and without having suffered any casualty among the men throughout the whole day's arduous work, in which Mr. Freeze (mate, R.N.), the chief officer, and Mr. Galbraith, the second, bore a conspicuous part. Good service had been rendered, not only by the destruction of the enemy's works and vessels, and by obtaining so large a supply of the much-needed fuel, but by the moral impression which was created among the people, both of our power and of our forbearance. The poor Chinese fisherman, who had acted as pilot, was, of course, liberated as soon as the harbour was cleared; and he appeared no less astonished than overjoyed when the promised ten dollars were counted out into his hands.

CAPTURE OF CHINGHAE,

October 10th, 1841.

As winter was rapidly approaching, it was important to secure winter-quarters for the troops, and Chinghae was therefore fixed on as commanding the approach to Ningpo. The continued occupation of so important a place was likely, it was supposed, to have a good moral effect on the Chinese Government, and might facilitate future negotiations. Chinghae is a small town, standing at the base of a high hill, on a point of land joined to the main by an isthmus, and commands the entrance of the Tahea or Ningpo River, on the left or north bank, 12 or 15 miles up which is situated the large city of Ningpo. On the summit of the hill, which is 250 feet high, is a large temple or joss-house, connected with other buildings by loopholed walls, and forming a sort of citadel. It is encircled by a strong wall, with very substantial iron-plated gates at the east and west ends. The north and south sides of the height are exceedingly steep; the former accessible only from the sea by a narrow winding path from the rocks at its base, the south side and eastern end being nearly precipitous. At the east end of the citadel, outside its wall, 21 guns were mounted in three batteries of masonry and sandbags, to defend the entrance of the river. The only communication between the citadel and the city is on the west side, by a steep but regular causeway to a barrier-gate at the bottom of the hill, where a wooden bridge over a wet ditch connects it with the isthmus and the gates of the city, the whole of which are covered with iron plates and strongly secured. The space on the isthmus, between the citadel hill and the city wall, is filled up towards the sea with a battery of five guns, having a row of strong piles driven into a little beach in front of it, to prevent a descent in that quarter; and on the river side of the isthmus are two batteries, adjoining the suburbs, and mounting 22 and 19 guns for flanking the entrance: 28 guns of different sizes, and numberless gingals, were also planted on the city walls, principally towards the sea. The town is enclosed by a wall 37 feet in thickness, and 22 feet high, with an embrasured parapet of 4 feet high, and it is nearly 2 miles in circumference.

The main body of the Chinese forces were posted on the right bank of the river in fortified encampments, on very commanding and steep hills, field-works and entrenchments being thrown up in every advantageous position, with 23 guns and innumerable gingals mounted in them to impede the advance of the troops. The principal landing-place on this side is within a considerable creek, close to the south entrance of the river, and across the creek were driven rows of piles. Four batteries, mounting 31 guns, were also newly constructed on this side of the river to flank the entrance; and about half a mile above its mouth, a similar obstruction of larger piles was carried completely across, space only being left for one junk to pass at a time.

On the 7th the wind having veered to a point favourable for carrying the ships up to Chinghae, they were moved to the anchorage of 'Just-in-the-Way,' and on the 9th they reached the anchorage off the town itself. They consisted of the 'Wellesley,' 'Blenheim,' 'Blonde,' 'Modeste,' 'Cruiser,' 'Columbine,' 'Bentinck,' 'Jupiter,' 'Rattlesnake,' 'Sesostris,' 'Phlegethon,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Queen.'

At an early hour on the morning of the 10th, the troops proceeded in the 'Queen,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Phlegethon,' steamers, and the boats of the transports, to the points of debarkation, in two columns. One, the main body, 2,000 strong, under the immediate command of the General, disembarked a short distance beyond the creek; the other, 500 strong, landed at the entrance of the creek, under cover of the brigs 'Cruiser,' 'Columbine,' and 'Bentinck,' which, directed by Commander Giffard, took up very judicious positions. A few shot from them cleared the shore of about 300 Chinese troops, collected to oppose the landing of the British; and by half-past nine every man was safe on shore. The 'Wellesley,' 'Blenheim,' 'Blonde,' and 'Modeste' opened a heavy cannonade on the citadel and eastern part of the city walls; and the 'Sesostris,' 'Queen,' and 'Phlegethon,' after landing the troops, and towing up the ships to their stations, commenced throwing their shells into the citadel. The 'Nemesis' joined in the attack on the north side, and remained in readiness to cover the landing of the seamen and marines. The citadel hill cannot be approached for attack by large ships, except on the north side, and there the water is so shallow that it is only in very calm weather they can be safely carried sufficiently near to fire with effect. The day was all that the invaders could desire, and the 'Wellesley' having been towed by the 'Sesostris' into an excellent position, her anchor was dropped about a quarter before nine o'clock in 4 fathoms, about 1,300 yards from the citadel and town walls. As the water ebbed she settled imperceptibly into a bottom of soft mud, and was as steady as a land battery. The 'Blenheim,' 'Blonde,' and 'Modeste,' favoured by a light breeze, took their stations under sail, and every ship was placed as close as possible; the 'Blenheim' and 'Modeste' touching the bottom at low water. As the troops on the right bank of the river moved forward, the sloops, under Commander Giffard, approached the entrance of the harbour; while the steamers, which were for a considerable time under a heavy fire from the river batteries, did much execution with their guns. About eleven o'clock the British colours were planted by the troops in one of the batteries on the opposite shore, and within a few minutes the others on that side were all carried, the Chinese on the heights flying in every direction. At a quarter past eleven the wall of the citadel was breached by the fire from the ships, when the battalion of seamen and marines, with the detachment of artillery and sappers, under the command of Captain Herbert, were immediately landed, and the force gallantly advanced to the assault. An explosion at this time took place in a battery, near the citadel gate, and the garrison fled without waiting to close it. The citadel was therefore entered, and the union jack displayed on the walls. Here another explosion occurred. Captain Herbert having secured the posts, quickly re-formed his men, and advanced towards the city, where the Chinese in considerable force still occupied the walls, as well as the two batteries beneath the hills on the river side, against which the British had already turned some of the guns taken on the right bank. A few volleys of musketry speedily dislodged them from both positions, and the battalion of seamen and marines pushed on in excellent order to attack the city. The wall, which was 26 feet high, was escaladed in two places, and in a short time, the Chinese troops having escaped through the western gates, complete possession was taken of Chinghae. During the escalade, a third explosion took place, by which a seaman of the 'Blenheim' was killed. The seamen immediately returned on board their ships, which as the tide rose were moved into secure berths. Captain Herbert remained with the marines in charge of the town until the evening, when Sir H. Gough arrived, and a considerable portion of the troops were conveyed across the river in the 'Phlegethon,' to garrison it. The city and Joss-house Hill were defended by about 3,000 regular Tartar troops, of whom about 150 were killed.

Ninety iron and sixty-seven brass guns were taken. Admiral Parker, in his Despatch, mentions Captains Herbert, Bourchier, Maitland, and Eyres; Major Ellis, of the Marines; and his Flag-Lieut. Charles Tennant.

Return of officers who landed with the right column under the command of Captain Herbert, Captain Bourchier commanding the battalion of seamen:--

Landed with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd companies seamen battalion. 'Wellesley,' Lieuts. Symonds, Maitland, and Carmichael; Messrs. King, Halstead, and Crouch, mates; Messrs. Birtwhistle, Butler, and Jackson, midshipmen; Mr. Smith, Assistant-Surgeon.

Landed with the 4th, 5th, and 6th companies seamen battalion. 'Blenheim,' Lieutenants Hawkins and Matthews; Messrs. St. Leger and Norman, mates; Mr. Dowell, midshipman; Mr. Adair, volunteer, 1st class; Mr. Scott, volunteer, A.D.C.; Mr. Thomas, assistant-surgeon.

Landed with 7th company, seamen battalion. 'Blonde,' Lieutenant Sir T. Nicholson; Messrs. Walker and Holland, mates; Mr. Lambert, midshipman; Messrs. Lion and Coke, midshipmen, A.D.C.

Landed with subdivision 8th company. 'Modeste,' Lieut. Birch; Mr. Pearse, mate; Major Ellis, commanding battalion of Royal Marines.

Captain Whitcombe; Lieuts. White, Ushur, Whiting, Hewet, Farmer, Polkinghorne; Mr. Tweedale, assistant-surgeon of 'Blenheim;' Mr. Stanley, assistant-surgeon of 'Blonde.' Landed 276 Royal Marines.

Artillery, Lieut. the Hon. F. Spencer, 23rd R.A., and two 5½-inch mortars, and 9 and 12-pound rockets; Lieut. Molesworth, 12th Madras Artillery; Captain Cotton and Lieut. Johnston with 30 Madras sappers.

Officers in charge of boats.--'Wellesley,' Lieut. Lord Wm. Compton, and Lord A. Beauclerk, mate in the launch; Mr. Crofton, mate in the pinnace; Mr. Kennedy, mate in the barge; Mr. Niblett, 2nd master in the cutter.

'Blenheim,' Mr. Kevern, mate in the launch; Mr. Denny, mate in the barge; Mr. Konniclas (Greek), in the pinnace; Mr. Pascoe, 2nd master in the gun-boat; Mr. Swinburn, midshipman, in the 1st cutter; Mr. Gell, midshipman, in the 2nd cutter; Mr. Bencroft, volunteer, 1st class, in the jolly-boat.

'Blonde,' Lieut. Daly, in the launch; Mr. Hamilton, midshipman, in the pinnace; Mr. Anderson, mate, in the gun-boat.

'Modeste,' Mr. Crofton, mate, in the pinnace.

OCCUPATION OF NINGPO,

October 12th.

Two days after the capture of Chinghae, the Admiral having reconnoitred the river as far as the city of Ningpo, the Tartar troops and many of the inhabitants were seen making their escape from it. In order, therefore, to prevent it falling into the hands of the rabble, he at once returned and ordered up the squadron. A large portion of the troops were on board the 'Nemesis' and 'Phlegethon.' They reached Ningpo about 2 P.M., and anchored within a few feet of the floating-bridge, which connects the city at the east end gate with the suburbs across the river. The men were disembarked with great ease by stages from the bows of the vessels, the battalion of seamen and marines under Captain Herbert, landing at the same time in the suburbs on the city side, a short distance below them.

The gates of the city were all found secured and barricaded, though not the slightest opposition was offered, and an entrance being effected, the British marched quietly in. The mandarins and troops had all left the city, the latter, since their defeat at Chinghae, having refused to fight. Numbers of the inhabitants crowded the banks of the river as spectators, and others assisted voluntarily to remove the barricades at the city gates. By three o'clock the little army, consisting of nearly 800 men, was drawn up on the ramparts of the important city of Ningpo, the band of the 18th Royal Irish playing the national anthem of "God save the Queen." Never was there so bloodless or more satisfactory a victory. Order was at once restored, and the Chinese were assured of the protection of the British. Unfortunately a ransom was afterwards demanded, and a tax of 10 per cent. on the estimated value of property was levied to pay it; which, although it was not raised, was the cause of much ill feeling on the part of the people. The troops having remained in Ningpo about two months, an expedition was undertaken to dislodge a Chinese force reported to be posted in the town of Tuyow. On the 27th of December the three steamers 'Nemesis,' 'Sesostris,' and 'Phlegethon,' with a number of boats in tow, and 700 troops, including seamen and marines, proceeded up the north-western branch of the river, on which Tuyow is situated. Sir William Parker and Sir Hugh Gough were on board the 'Nemesis.' Having dispersed a party of Chinese soldiers on the way, the troops landed near the town, and took possession of a hill overlooking it, on which a joss-house is situated. Here they took up their quarters for the night. The next morning, which was bitterly cold, the ground being covered with snow, preparations were made for escalading the town. Just then some of the inhabitants came out and stated that the troops had been withdrawn. This, however, proved to be a ruse, their intention having been to let the English enter, and then, while off their guard, the Chinese soldiers were to return and cut them to pieces. Fortunately the 'Nemesis' was sent with a squadron of boats higher up to meet the troops, when, from her masthead, a large Chinese force was discovered outside the walls. She, and the 'Phlegethon,' which had followed her, opened their fire on them, and the British troops, forcing their way through the town, put them to flight, and followed them for several miles, killing several of them in the pursuit, and taking others prisoners. The town of Tsekee, about four miles from the river, was visited the next day, but found undefended, and the troops then returned to Ningpo. The remainder of the year 1841 passed away without any naval event in China worthy of notice. On the 5th of March the 'Clio,' Captain Troubridge, arrived with the mails, and with the announcement of the promotions in consequence of the capture of Canton, and the exploits in the Canton river.

On the 7th of March, Captain Collinson, with Lieutenant Bates, who had gone in the 'Nemesis' to reconnoitre an island called Tai-shan, to the north of Chusan, where it was reported the Chinese were fitting out an expedition of fire-boats, had, in company with Mr. Hall, Mr. Freeze, mate, R.N., and other officers of that ship, a spirited brush with the enemy. On first landing, not expecting to encounter any armed men, they were nearly surrounded and cut off. They, however, with great gallantry fought their way back to the boats. They then again landed with a larger party, mustering in all 66; and encountered a force of some five or six hundred Chinese troops just landed from their transports. These they charged, and putting them to flight, killed a mandarin and 50 men, took eight prisoners, and captured their military chest; and after burning the transports and some of the houses which had sheltered the soldiers, returned on board.

The effect of the victory was to save Chusan from further molestation.

On the evening of the 9th, a desperate and well-planned attempt was made by the Chinese to recapture Ningpo, and though the British had been forewarned, they were very nearly taken by surprise, from having often before received similar reports of intended attacks, which had proved unfounded. The 'Columbine,' 'Modeste,' 'Queen,' and 'Sesostris,' were anchored off the city, and the first alarm was given by the Chinese firing two guns at them which they had brought down to the banks of the river for that purpose. Fire-rafts were also sent against them, which were not without difficulty towed clear of the 'Sesostris' by her own boats and those of the other ships. The ships then opened their fire on the suburbs to impede the advance of the Chinese.

The approach of the enemy had been made so cautiously that they had actually succeeded in scaling the walls; and had not Sir Hugh Gough admirably disposed his troops so as to concentrate them at the point of danger, the loss to the British might have been very considerable. The Chinese fought with great bravery, but were at length repulsed and driven along a narrow street of the suburbs, with dreadful slaughter.

Their force was supposed to exceed 5,000 men, and their loss 500 or 600.

In the morning, the boats of the squadron were sent up the river in search of fire-rafts, and those of the 'Columbine,' under Captain Morshead, discovered and destroyed 37 fire-vessels. Near Tsekee, many more junks full of combustibles were discovered and destroyed.

Chinghae was attacked at about the same time, but the Chinese were driven back by a force under Colonel Schoedde and Captain Daubeny. On the morning of the 10th, 10 fire-vessels were sent against the ships-of-war and transports off the town, but the boats of the 'Blonde,' under Commander Goldsmith, and of the 'Hyacinth,' under Lieut. Dolling, immediately pulled towards them, and towed them on shore, where they exploded.

Sir Hugh Gough had been informed that a strong body of Chinese were entrenched on the Segoan hills, at the back of Tsekee, under the command of three of their best generals. On the morning of the 15th of March, an expedition of about 1,000 men, including seamen and marines, was embarked on board the 'Nemesis,' 'Phlegethon,' and 'Queen,' to attack them.

The naval brigade was commanded by Captain Bourchier, of the 'Blonde,' assisted by Captain P. Richards.

The troops having landed and marched towards the city, the 'Phlegethon,' 'Nemesis,' and two boats of the 'Cornwallis' and 'Blonde,' were sent higher up the river to harass the Chinese army in their retreat. 14 fire-rafts, five gun-boats, and a considerable amount of warlike stores, were destroyed on the way.

It is out of our province to describe the movements of the military. The Chinese were found posted in great force on two hills on the other side of the town. While the General with his troops, attacked one of the heights, the naval brigade, led by Captains Bourchier and Richards, and Commander Watson, the Admiral taking an active part, rushed up the other hill, across a paddy-field on the Chinese right.

They were boldly met by the enemy; and two officers of marines, two of the naval battalion, and 11 men were wounded, and three men were killed. Lieutenant Fitzjames and Mr. Jackson, of the 'Cornwallis,' poured in some rockets with great precision into the enemy's position, they firing in return with gingals and matchlocks. A valley separated the two hills into which the enemy was driven, large numbers being killed and many destroying themselves. As they fled, the 'Nemesis' and 'Phlegethon' opened their fire on them and completed the rout.

The expedition returned, after this well-conducted and brilliant affair, to Ningpo. The British force was now augmented by more troops, as also by some ships-of-war, namely, H.M.S. 'Vixen,' from England, and the H.E.I.C. steamers 'Tenasserim,' 'Auckland,' 'Ariadne,' 'Medusa,' and 'Hoogly,' from Bombay, well armed and adapted to river navigation.

A well-concerted attempt was again made by the Chinese to destroy the British shipping off Chusan, by fire-rafts, but information was received in time, and preparations made to receive them.

The steamers and the boats of the squadron were constantly employed in searching for them, and upwards of a hundred were thus destroyed.

A movement on Chapoo, an important city on the great river Yangtzee, being determined on, the troops at Ningpo were re-embarked, and that place was evacuated on the 7th of May.

CAPTURE OF CHAPOO.

On the 13th, the troops having been conveyed on board the transports by the 'Queen,' 'Sesostris,' and 'Phlegethon,' they, with the 'Cornwallis,' 'Blonde,' 'Modeste,' 'Columbine,' 'Starling,' 'Algerine,' 'Plover,' and 'Jupiter' troop-ship, got under weigh for Chapoo.

Chapoo is built along the edge of the sea, at the mouth of the river, with a line of heights above it strongly fortified. Some islands lying off it shelter the landing-place. Commanders Kellett and Collinson and Mr. Hall were employed during the night of the 16th in sounding, to enable the 'Cornwallis,' 'Blonde,' 'Modeste,' and other ships to take up advantageous positions before the enemy's works, and to cover the landing of the troops. At daylight on the 17th the whole fleet stood in; but having anchored, owing to want of wind, during the morning, they did not take up their allotted positions till the evening. The transports anchored near the islands, where the troops were to land under cover of the 'Starling,' 'Columbine,' 'Plover,' and 'Algerine.' The 'Cornwallis' and 'Blonde' were placed against the small batteries on the hill side next the suburbs, on the summit of which was a fortified temple; and the 'Modeste' took up a position to attack the works in front, nearer the suburbs. The 'Nemesis' and 'Queen' and 'Phlegethon' were to land the troops; and the 'Sesostris' anchored in-shore, was to shell the Chinese as they retreated before the advance of the British.

At daylight next morning the three steamers, with the boats of the squadron under Commander Charles Richards, landed the troops, when Sir Hugh Gough led the left column along the crest of the heights, driving the enemy before him. The Admiral, who never shrank from danger or fatigue, either ashore or afloat, landed with the battalion of seamen and marines under Captain Bourchier. The right flank of the Chinese was soon turned, and their principal works were carried before they had time to spring some mines which they had prepared. As they fled before the British, the 'Sesostris' fired some shells in on them with deadly effect. A considerable body of Tartars, however, threw themselves into a large building, which they defended with the most desperate bravery, and numbers of the British fell before it. Among others was Colonel Tomlinson, of the 18th, who, with a few of his own men and of the 49th, attempted to enter it. Many others were wounded. Mr. Hall, of the 'Nemesis,' Lieut. Fitzjames, and some other officers and men, made several gallant attempts to force their way in, and to set the building on fire, but were compelled to retire. Captain Pearse at length fixed a powder-bag to the wall; but this had little effect in bringing it down. Another, fastened more securely, at length blew up a considerable portion, when many of the defenders were destroyed, and it was with much difficulty that the men of the 18th were prevented from shooting down the rest in revenge for the loss of their gallant Colonel. About 50, however, were made prisoners. In the mean time the walls of the city had been scaled, and the enemy dispersed, many of them taking the direction of Hang-chow-foo. A considerable number of the mandarins and Tartar soldiers cut their own throats when they found the day was lost, and others were prevented from committing a like folly by the interposition of the British.

The loss of the English was greater on this than on any previous occasion throughout the war. The Chinese wounded, however, received every possible attention and kindness from the British medical officers; and it is gratifying to know that this conduct was fully appreciated, the Mandarin Elepoo, Governor of Chapoo, having shortly afterwards addressed a letter to the Admiral and General to thank them for their humanity. A more substantial acknowledgment was afterwards made by the manner in which the Chinese treated those of the British force who fell into their hands; previous to which those who had been made prisoners experienced every species of cruelty, and had often been tortured to death.

By the orders of Sir Hugh Gough, before the British left Chapoo all the Chinese prisoners were set at liberty, each of them receiving a present of three dollars. The British had already taught the Chinese to fear them; and the effect of this humane conduct was to teach them to respect them. The Chinese, in return, restored all the prisoners they had kidnapped, giving to the whites 30 and to the natives of India 15 dollars each. The Government also began to show a strong inclination to come to terms.

CAPTURE OF WOOSUNG AND SHANGHAI.

Ships engaged at Woosung, 16th June, 1843:--'Cornwallis,' 72, Captain P. Richards; 'Blonde,' 42, Captain E. Bourchier; 'North Star,' 26, Captain Sir E. Home, Bart.; 'Modeste,' 18, Commander R. B. Watson; 'Columbine,' 16, Commander William H. Morshead; 'Clio,' 16, Commander E. N. Troubridge; 'Algerine,' 10, Lieut. William Maitland. Honourable E.I.C. steamers:--'Sesostris,' Commander Ormsby, I.N; 'Nemesis,' Lieut. W. H. Hall, R.N.; 'Phlegethon,' Lieut. J. J. M'Cleverty, R.N.; 'Pluto,' Lieut. John Tudor, R.N.; 'Tenasserim,' Master Commanding P. Wall; 'Medusa,' Lieut. H. Hewitt, I.N.

The 27th of May, and the following day, were employed in embarking the troops, when the fleet sailed and anchored on the 29th, in a safe sound forty miles to the eastward of Chapoo, discovered by Captains Kellett and Collinson. Some days were spent in examining the entrance to the Yangtze river. On the 5th, they stood up towards it, and anchored a little to the eastward of the mouth on the 8th. Captain Watson, in the 'Modeste,' was then sent with the 'Nemesis' and 'Pluto' examine the river Woosung, and to interrupt the communications. The Woosung river empties itself into the Yangtze, about twenty-five miles up its southern branch. The town of Woosung, which was now fortified with one hundred and seventy-five guns, and garrisoned with the choicest Tartar troops, stands on the mouth of the river of that name. Whenever an opportunity presented itself for performing any spirited piece of work, Mr. Hall, the Commander of the 'Nemesis,' never lost it. The night of the 11th of June was very dark, and it occurred to him that he might take advantage of it to reconnoitre the batteries. His ship was anchored close in shore, but in consequence of a strong tide he was unable to communicate with his superior officer, Captain Watson, as the 'Modeste' lay much further off. Ordering therefore his cutter away, he sounded the channel leading to Woosung, and then pulled under the very batteries themselves. Screened by the darkness and the noise of the wind and surf, he landed on the beach and crept up to the walls, when looking through the embrasures, he saw one of the mandarines going his rounds with two soldiers, one of whom carried a large paper lantern. He was strongly tempted to call up his boat's crew, and to carry off the officer and his attendants, but fortunately prudence restrained him, as there would have been no good object attained by so doing. Contenting himself, therefore, with the work he had already performed, he returned on board. The 'Clio,' 'Bentinck,' 'Starling,' and two transports had been stationed as beacons to mark the channel, and on the 13th, the Admiral, with the 'Cornwallis,' 'Blonde,' 'Columbine,' 'Jupiter,' 'Phlegethon,' 'Tenasserim,' 'Medusa,' and twelve transports, reached the mouth of the Woosung river, there about a mile wide. The batteries extend for about three miles along the banks, and opposite them is another strong and high fort built of brick. Two miles in the rear of the town is the large town of Paonshan.

The Admiral having surveyed the river in the little 'Medusa,' fixed the morning of the 16th to make the projected attack. All the ships were towed into their stations by the steamers lashed alongside them, with the exception of the 'Algerine,' which stood in under sail.

The 'Blonde' and 'Cornwallis' led in towards the batteries, towed by the 'Tenasserim' and 'Sesostris,' and received the fire of the Chinese, which was opened with much spirit, without returning a shot until they had anchored by the stern in excellent positions. The 'Modeste,' under Captain Watson, towed by the 'Nemesis,' then led the light squadron towards the creek above the village, to oppose a strong battery of ten brass guns, receiving a well-directed fire from the whole line of batteries. The men on board the 'Nemesis' were ordered to lie down at quarters till she had placed the 'Modeste' in a good position. Further up the river fourteen war-junks appeared, and four paddle-wheel vessels, intended to imitate steamers. The 'Nemesis' was sent to attack them, but as soon as they felt the effects of her fire, their crews ceased working their guns, and their Admiral set the example of running away. Just then the 'North Star,' Sir Everard Home, was observed off the mouth of the river, having just arrived in time to partake in the action to the great satisfaction of her officers and crew. The 'Tenasserim' was sent to tow her up, when she was placed ahead of the 'Blonde.' The 'Nemesis' having got on shore while pursuing the junks, Mr. Galbraith was sent away in command of her boats to capture and destroy them, in which work Lieut. M'Cleverty, in the 'Phlegethon,' was likewise employed. The 'Modeste' had been made fast to a jetty, in which position she soon silenced the fort with her guns and small arms. The pinnace, under Mr. Birch, was sent on shore to take possession of the fort and to spike the guns, when he had some skirmishing with the rear-guard of the Chinese; and at the same time the 'Columbine' and 'Pluto' coming lip, poured in their fire on the retreating columns.

The 'Cornwallis,' 'Blonde,' and 'Pluto,' having been for some time hotly engaged with the batteries, compelled them to slacken their fire, on seeing which, Captain Watson landed with the marines and small-arm men of the 'Modeste,' 'Columbine,' and 'Clio,' within the creek, for the purpose of turning the enemy's flank, and of cutting off their retreat. A strong body of Chinese were now discovered lying down under cover of the embankment. On this, forming his men, he gallantly made a dash at them, across several wooden bridges over the ditch, and was received with a heavy fire of matchlocks and gingals. As he advanced they retreated slowly and steadily, planting their gingals in the only path by which they could be approached. Ten of his men being wounded, and his party being slightly scattered, he drew them up to reform them outside the embankment, when the Chinese, rushing out, brandished their spears, and threw a volley of hand-grenades towards them, though happily over their heads. On Captain Bourchier perceiving that Captain Watson was hotly engaged with vastly superior numbers, he landed with a party from the 'Blonde' to his aid. Just then Captain Watson and his followers made a dash at the Chinese, but so firmly did they stand their ground that the spear and bayonet were again for a moment crossed, though the enemy were forced to retreat behind some houses, where they, however, quickly rallied.

At this juncture, Captains Peter Richards and Sir Everard Home, accompanied by the Admiral, had got on shore with the marines and some seamen of their ships, who, being formed, speedily drove the enemy out of the whole line of batteries. A small party, under Lieutenant Maitland, had landed from the 'Algerine,' and before aid could be sent, it had suffered somewhat from the overwhelming force he had boldly ventured to attack.

Captain Ormsby, in the 'Sesostris,' had, during these events, been engaged with the battery on the east side of the river, which having silenced, he landed with the small-arm men from his ship and the 'Tenasserim,' and took possession of it.

In consequence of most of the steamers having taken the ground, the troops could not be landed till the engagement was over; as soon, however, as they could be put on shore, Sir Hugh Gough led them in the direction of Paoushan, towards which town a considerable portion of the Chinese army had fled. Major-General Schoedde took possession of the town without opposition, the Chinese, it was found having passed on towards Soochow-foo. The Chinese lost about 200 men, and 250 guns were captured. The loss of the British consisted of one officer, Lieutenant Hewitt, and one seaman killed, and three officers, Mr. Purvis, midshipman of the 'Blonde,' and Mr. A. J. Smith, mate, and Mr. Roberts, master of the 'Sesostris,' and 15 seamen, together with one corporal, and five royal marines, and one Bombay artilleryman wounded, many very severely.

The next day H.M.S. 'Dido,' the Hon. Captain Keppel, and some reinforcements of troops arrived. On the 19th several batteries on the river having been destroyed, the steamers conveyed up one portion of the troops, while another marched by land towards the important city of Shanghai. It was entered without opposition, and order within its gates was soon re-established, the respectable portion of the inhabitants treating the conquerors as friends rather than enemies: 171 guns were captured in it. It was found to be full of stores, and a place of great commercial importance. The river, for 30 miles above the city, was surveyed by the steamers. The next day Sir Henry Pottinger arrived from Hong Kong to receive any overtures for peace which might be made by the Chinese.

CAPTURE OF CHIN-KEANG-FOO, AND ENTRY OF SIR H.
POTTINGER INTO NANKIN; WITH CONCLUDING REMARKS,

July 21st, 1842.

We at length come to the last and crowning victory of the British in China.

Considerable reinforcements having arrived, it was at length resolved to advance on Nankin itself, the ancient capital of the empire, as the most certain way of bringing the Chinese to terms. To reach that city the Admiral had determined to conduct his fleet, consisting of nearly 80 sail, including two line-of-battle ships, up the great river Yangtze, into the very heart of the empire, 200 miles from the sea.

Commanders Kellett and Collins on were, in the first place, sent up in the 'Phlegethon,' to sound the river, and to buoy the channel for the advance of the squadron, accompanied by the masters of the ships of war. Few or no impediments were discovered, but water for the largest ships was found right up to Nankin. The river Yang-tze is one of the largest in the world, and is supposed to take its rise in the farthest mountains of Thibet, traversing the whole empire, and to be navigable the entire distance.

It redounds much to the credit of the naval service that a fleet of nearly 80 sail was carried up to the walls of Nankin and brought safely back. This was owing to the Admiral's excellent arrangements and clear orders, to the alacrity paid by the commanders to signals, and to having boats ready for any emergency.

On the 6th of July the fleet, consisting of the following ships, got under weigh:--

The advanced squadron was formed of the 'Starling,' 6, Commander Kellett, and 'Plover,' 6, Commander Collinson, surveying vessels; 'Modeste,' 18, Commander E. B. Watson: 'Clio,' 16, Commander T. Troubridge; 'Columbine,' 16, Commander Morshead; 'Childers,' 16, Commander Halstead; H.C. steamer 'Phlegethon,' Lieut. M'Cleverty, R.N.; H.C. steamer 'Pluto,' Lieut. Tudor, I.N.; H.C. steamer 'Medusa,' Lieut. Hewitt, R.N; H.C. 'Nemesis,' Commander Hall, R.N.; H.C. steamer 'Proserpine,' Commander J. J. Hough, R.N.; H.M.S. 'Cornwallis,' 72, Captain Richards, flag-ship of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, O.C.B.

_First Division_.--H.M.S. 'Calliope,' 26, Captain A. S. Kuper, C.B.; H.M. armed steamer 'Vixen,' Commander H. Boyes; 'Marion' transport, with Lieut.-General Sir H. Gough and staff; seven transports, with Sappers and Miners, followers, &c.

_Second Division_.--H.M.S. 'Blonde,' 42, Captain T. Bourchier, C.B.; H.C. steamer 'Auckland,' Commander Ethersey, I.N.; ten transports, conveying Artillery Brigade and horses, &c.

_Third Division_.--H.M. troop-ship 'Belleisle,' Captain T. Kingcomb, having on board Major-General Lord Saltoun and H.M. 98th Regiment; H.M. troop-ship 'Jupiter,' Master Commanding G. Hoffmeister, with H.M. 26th Regiment; nine transports, conveying Bengal Volunteers, with flank companies 41st M.N.I.

_Fourth Division_.--H.M.S. 'Endymion,' 44, Captain the Hon. T. W. Grey; H.C. steamer 'Sesostris,' Commander H. A. Ormsby, I.N.; 13 transports, conveying H.M. 55th Regiment, with the 2nd and 6th Regiments M.N.I., and the Madras Rifle Company.

_Fifth Division_.--H.M.S. 'Dido,' 20, Captain the Hon. H. Keppel; H.C. steamer 'Tenasserim,' Master Commanding P. Wall; H.M. troop-ship 'Apollo,' Commander Frederick, with H.M. 49th Regiment; H.M. troop-ship 'Rattlesnake,' Master Commanding James Sprent, with H.M. 18th Regiment; eight transports, conveying the remainder of the 18th and 49th Regiments, together with the 14th M.N.I.

This imposing fleet passed up the river without any opposition, the Chinese having even withdrawn their guns from most of the towns on its banks to escape the injury they expected would be inflicted had they made any hostile demonstration. At Seshan, however, about 15 miles below Chin-Keang-foo, some batteries at the foot of a hill, mounting some 20 guns, opened their fire on the 'Pluto' and 'Nemesis,' as those vessels were surveying in advance; and on the following day, having fired on the 'Modeste,' she very speedily drove out their garrisons, and destroyed them completely.

On the 16th the naval and military Commanders-in-Chief went up the river in the 'Vixen,' followed by the 'Medusa,' to reconnoitre the approaches to Chin-Keang-foo. They approached the entrance of the Imperial Canal, which passes close to the city walls. It is one of the greatest works in China for facilitating the internal water communication through the country. As no soldiers were seen on the walls, and no other preparations for defence were visible, it was hoped that no resistance would be offered, and that thus any effusion of blood would be spared. When, however, some of the officers landed on Golden Island, which is opposite the mouth of the Great Canal, and climbed to the top of the Pagoda, which is in the centre of the island, they discovered three large encampments on the slope of the hills to the south-west of the city, which showed that the Chinese had a large army ready to defend the city if they would venture to employ it. The British land force consisted of about 7,000 men of all arms. It had been determined that none of the ships-of-war should be engaged in the attack. The 'Auckland' was therefore the only vessel which fired into the city when employed in covering the landing of the troops. On the evening of the 20th all preparations were completed for the attack, which was to take place at daylight the next day. A body of seamen and marines, however, under Captain Peter Richards, took an active part in the engagement, accompanied by Sir William Parker, who forced his way with the General through the gates of the city. Lord Saltoun's brigade was the first on shore, and gallantly attacking the Chinese, encamped outside the walls, soon drove them over the hills. General Schoedde's brigade, however, was received by a hot fire of guns, gingals, and matchlocks, and in consequence he gave orders for immediately escalading the walls. The Tartars fought with the most determined bravery, often in hand-to-hand combats, and several of the British officers and men were wounded. The walls were soon scaled; and as the troops scoured them to the right and left, they fell in with Sir Hugh and Sir William, who had forced their way in at the gate, while Captains Peter Richards and Watson, with the seamen and marines, had scaled the walls in another direction. Still in the interior of the city the Tartars held every house and street where they could hope to make a stand, determined to sell their lives dearly; and often, when driven back by superior force, they, with perfect deliberation, put an end to their own lives, and frequently those of their wives and children. While these events were taking place, another of a more naval character was enacting elsewhere. The 'Blonde' was anchored off the mouth of the Grand Canal, and her boats had been employed in the morning in landing the artillery brigade. At 10 o'clock they were ordered away to carry some of the artillery, with two howitzers, up the canal, to create a diversion in favour of the troops. They were under the command of Lieut. Crouch, of the 'Blonde,' who had with him Messrs. Lambert, Jenkins, and Lyons, midshipmen. The barge, cutter, and flat were a little in advance, when, coming suddenly in sight of the west gate of the city, they were assailed by a heavy fire of gingals and matchlocks from the whole line of the city wall, running parallel with the canal. As the wall was nearly 40 feet high, the gun in the barge could not be elevated sufficiently to do service, and the fire of the musketry was ineffectual. Lieut. Crouch and Mr. Lyons, midshipman, 2 artillery officers, 16 seamen, and 8 artillerymen were wounded. As it would have been madness to have remained longer than necessary exposed to such a fire, the men leaped from the boats, which they abandoned, and took shelter under cover of some houses in the suburbs. The crews of the launch and pinnace, however, which were some way astern, remained under cover of some buildings, and escaped without loss. Lieut. Crouch's party now saw that their only chance of escape was to join the latter, though to do so they would have to pass across a wide space, exposed to the fire from the walls. They succeeded, however, in doing this without loss, and in getting on board the two boats: the whole party returned down the canal to the 'Cornwallis,' when they reported what had happened to Captain Richards. They were compelled to leave some of the wounded behind, and it is satisfactory to report that they were kindly treated by the Chinese--a strong proof of the advantage of the example set by the British.

As soon as Captain Richards was informed of the circumstances which had occurred, he landed with 200 marines, at the entrance of the Canal, where he was joined by 300 men of the 6th Madras native infantry, under Captain Maclean.

This body then made their way through the suburbs, to escalade the city walls. At the same time the boats of the 'Cornwallis,' under Lieut. Stoddart, with those of the 'Blonde,' pulled up the Canal, with orders to bring off the boats and guns which had been left behind, and to endeavour to check the fire of the Chinese, while Captain Richards' party were engaged in escalading the walls. As soon as Captain Richards landed, he was joined by Captain Watson and Mr. Forster, master of the 'Modeste,' with a boat's crew, and a small body of seamen of that ship. A quantity of rubbish was found near the walls, on which the ladders were planted by Captains Peter Richards and Watson, when, in face of a strong body of Tartars, who opened a tremendous fire on them, they began the hazardous ascent. Captain Richards escaped unhurt; but Captain Watson was wounded, as was Lieut. Baker, of the Madras Artillery: and a marine who, with them, was one of the first on the walls, was killed. At this juncture Lieut. Fitzjames brought up some rockets and lodged one in a guard-house, which, catching fire, threw the enemy into such consternation that they gave way, followed by Captain Richards, who, at the head of his men, had jumped down into an open space between two gateways. It was just then that the gate was blown open by powder-bags; and Sir William Parker, with the third brigade, under General Bartley, accompanied by Sir Hugh Gough, dashed over its ruins. Several officers and a large number of men suffered from the effects of the hot sun. The naval brigade having, in consequence, rested for some time in a guard-house, on hearing some firing again sallied out, when they were met by a sudden fire from a body of Tartars, drawn up across a street, behind a small gateway. Here Lieut. Fitzjames was wounded, as were several of the men. The British, however, uttering a loud cheer, attacked the Tartars with such fury that they were soon driven back, and put to flight, when numbers fell by their own hands. The city was speedily in entire possession of the British, when every means was taken to spare life, to prevent plunder, and to restore order. We must not omit to speak of the gallantry of several naval officers mentioned by Sir Hugh Gough. Having heard that the canal was fordable, he had sent Major Gough to ascertain the fact, accompanied by Captain Loch, R.N., who acted as an amateur throughout the campaign, as the General's extra aid-de-camp, and Lieut. Hodgson, of the 'Cornwallis,' as also by Lieut. Heatley. Instantly rushing down the bank, the four officers plunged into the canal, and swam across, thus proving the impracticability of fording it. The city was now completely in the power of the British; but in consequence of the bad drainage, and the number of dead bodies left in the houses, the cholera broke out, and raged with fearful violence among the troops, even though they were removed to an encampment outside the walls. The number of Tartars who destroyed themselves and families was very great; while much damage was committed by the Chinese plunderers, who flocked in from the country, and pillaged in every direction; yet, although the place had been taken by assault, none of the British troops were allowed to plunder or to commit violence of any description.

The total loss of the British forces at the capture of Chin-keang-foo was:--

Killed.--3 officers, 2 Serjeants, and 29 rank and file.

Wounded.--14 officers, 1 warrant-officer, 4 serjeants, and 87 rank and file of the military arm.

In the naval battalion 1 officer of marines, and 2 privates were killed, and 2 privates wounded; and 4 officers, and 15 seamen wounded.