WAR IN CHINA.

NARRATIVE OF EVENTS WHICH LED TO THE WAR.

A glance at the map of Asia will show us China occupying a large portion of its south-eastern shores.

Towards the north, at some distance from the coast of the Yellow Sea, is situated Pekin, the capital, the residence of the Emperor. South of it is found the city of Nanking, on the banks of the mighty river Yangtse-Keang, second in size only to the Amazon and Mississippi. Some distance again south of the mouth of this river, and off the large city of Ningpo, is situated the island of Chusan, while on the southernmost part of the country, on the river of the same name, is the celebrated commercial city of Canton. The river of Canton is navigable up to the city for large ships, but there are numerous bars, and a succession of forts to be passed. As Canton was the only Chinese port allowed for foreign commerce, a crowd of merchants from all the provinces collected there, and the warehouses contained the most valuable productions and manufactures of the country. The city consists of three towns divided by high walls: the streets are narrow, paved with small round stones in the middle, and flagged at the sides. A large portion of the population exists on the water in boats. The British and other foreign merchants have factories where they reside, and where their property is stored.[1] The lower orders of Chinese are supposed to have come originally from India, but they were conquered by the Tartars, by whom they are now governed, and from whom all the upper orders are descended. The population of China amounts to 260,000,000 souls. They are the most industrious people of the East, but though they had reached a high state of civilization two thousand years ago, they have probably made but little progress since that time. Their chief characteristic is to adhere to all that is established, and to reject all that is new. Though they have great guns, they still use a firearm, similar to the ancient matchlock, fired from a stand, called a jingal, as well as bows and arrows and shields; and their war junks, though of great size, are very unwieldy and unfit for sea.

The Chinese are ruled by an Emperor, who is absolute, and their government is most despotic. They were taught to consider themselves superior to all the world, and to look upon foreigners with the utmost contempt, fit only to be the slaves of their Emperor. For many years the English, as did all other European nations, submitted to every description of indignity they chose to inflict for the sake of the benefits derived from a commercial intercourse with them. The chief officers of Government are called Mandarins. They rank in classes—those of the first class being Ministers of State, Rulers of Provinces, Generals and Admirals, while captains of ships and governors of towns rank also as mandarins of lower grade. The most important product and export of China is tea, which is shipped from Canton, a certain number of Chinese merchants enjoying a monopoly of the trade, and transacting all business with the foreign merchants. The chief article of import which more particularly demands our notice is opium. The three chief places in India where the poppy grows, are Malwa, Patna, and Benares. The opium trade with China has existed since 1780, from which time till the year 1834 the East India Company enjoyed a monopoly of it, but by a bill introduced by Lord Glenelg (then Mr. Grant) in 1833, the trade was thrown open; and three officials were appointed at Canton to superintend it. The East India Company were also debarred from trading. It is supposed that throwing open the trade very much increased smuggling; at all events the Chinese Government now turned their attention to the subject, and the importation of opium was forbidden under severe penalties, the pretext being that the drug was highly injurious to the habits and morals of the people. The real, or at all events the chief, reason was, that as silver alone was given in exchange for opium, they were afraid that the country would be drained of that precious metal, and probably also those in authority who were accustomed to receive bribes for allowing its admission, found that it entered the country by other channels from which they gained no benefit. Be that as it may, the court at Pekin seemed resolved, in 1839, to put a stop to it, and appointed a High Commissioner, Lin, to proceed to Canton for that purpose. To prove that he was in earnest, he ordered a Chinese opium smuggler to be strangled, and then shut up the British merchants in their factory, and demanded the delivery of all the opium on board the ships in the river. At the same time the British flag was fired on, British ships were violently detained, and a Chinaman having been accidentally killed by a British seaman, the life of a British subject was demanded in return.

In short it became evident that all commercial intercourse would soon be put a stop to, and that probably much British property would be destroyed, and the lives of British subjects sacrificed, unless some strong measures were instantly taken by the British Government to bring the Chinese to order. Captain Elliot, R.N., who was at that time Chief Superintendent of Trade, acted on the occasion with the greatest promptitude, courage, and decision.

He sent home despatches with an account of the state of affairs, declared himself and the British merchants forcibly detained, and demanded a delivery of the opium from the merchants for her Majesty's government, and then gave it up to the Chinese authorities. By these proceedings, he gained time, and enabled all the teas ready to be shipped to be got off, as their non-reception in England would have caused a serious defalcation in the revenue. It must be understood that the war in China was undertaken not to compel the people to receive a pernicious drug like opium, but to punish the Government for the numerous injuries and insults they had offered to the English, and by teaching them to respect our power, to induce them to trade with us on fair and equal terms, and to treat us in future as one civilized people should treat another; also to demand reparation of grievances, and payment for the property of British subjects destroyed at Canton, to obtain a guarantee against similar occurrences in future; and, what was of the greatest importance, to open up the trade at the different ports along the coast.

With these objects to be accomplished, a large squadron, with a number of transports containing a considerable body of troops, were despatched in 1840 by the Governor-General of India to the China seas.

The following were among many other causes the British had of complaint against the Chinese, and for which the latter refused any compensation or redress:—

The general insolent behaviour of all officials, both towards British authorities and merchants.

The breaking open Lord Napier's luggage. Driving away his native servants. Firing on Her Majesty's ships 'Imogene' and 'Andromache.' Closing the communication for purposes of commerce to the English between Canton and Whampoa.

Firing on a British boat from the Forts of the Boca Tigris.

Seizing the property of British merchants. Imprisoning British merchants.

Claiming the life of a British subject, on account of a Chinaman having been killed accidentally by an Englishman. The attack on a British boat, and murder of her crew by Chinese.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR. ACTION BETWEEN H.M.S. 'VOLAGE' AND 'HYACINTH,' AND A SQUADRON OF CHINESE WAR-JUNKS,

November 3rd, 1859.

Her Majesty's ships 'Volage,' Captain H. Smith, and 'Hyacinth,' Captain Warren, were lying in the mouth of the Canton river, when information was sent by Captain Elliot, the Superintendent of Trade, to Captain Smith, that a large fleet of war-junks, under the command of Admiral Kwan, was assembled near Chuenpee, for the purpose probably of attempting the destruction of the British merchant shipping off Hong Kong. The intention of the Chinese was evident from the erection of batteries overlooking the shipping of Hong Kong, the assemblage of war-junks in the neighbouring bay, and the encampment of numerous bodies of troops at the back of the boundary wall at Macao; in addition to which, High Commissioner Lin and the Governor had issued proclamations, threatening the seizure of the Superintendent and all British subjects. Captain Elliot went on board the 'Volage' on the 28th of October, when both ships got under weigh, but, owing to light winds, did not reach the Bogue till the 2nd November, when they anchored in front of an imposing force of war-junks and fire-vessels. Here a letter was sent on board the Admiral's junk to the Commissioners by Lieutenant Hamilton, accompanied by Mr. Morrison, the Chinese Interpreter, demanding the intentions of the Chinese. These gentlemen were well received, and a request forwarded by them for the ships to move further down, and they were informed that a reply would be sent the next day. No reply, however, came, and on the 3rd, at 9:30 A.M., Captain Smith perceiving the war-junks and fire-vessels, 29 in number, getting under weigh and bearing down upon him, the 'Volage' and 'Hyacinth' immediately weighed anchor and stood towards them under easy sail. On this the Chinese flotilla anchored in a line about a mile from them. Captain Smith now sent the interpreter for a reply to his communication, when his own letter to the High Commissioner was returned to him. After this want of courtesy, as it was evident the Chinese had sent this imposing force out for the purpose of intimidation, Captain Smith considered, for the honour of the British flag and the safety of the merchant vessels, it was necessary to compel them to return to their former anchorage, lest they might slip by him at night and carry their menaces into execution.

He accordingly at noon gave the signal to engage, and the British ships, then lying-to at the extreme end of the Chinese line, bore away in close order, having the wind on the starboard beam. In this way, under easy sail, they ran down the Chinese line, pouring in a destructive fire. The ships, having the wind abeam, were able to run up again from the other extremity of the line, with their larboard broadsides bearing on the enemy. The Chinese, undaunted at first by the tremendous fire to which they were exposed, answered it with spirit, and their Admiral Kwang behaved with much courage. His war-junk was evidently better manned and armed than the rest of the fleet, and relying on this, he weighed or cut his cable, and bore down in handsome style to engage the British ships. His junk carried twelve guns, which he fought with much skill and courage; in less, however, than three-quarters of an hour, the shots from the British ships had told with terrible effect on him and the rest of his fleet. One blew up, three sunk, several were shattered and deserted by their crews, and the remainder retired in the greatest confusion, that of the Admiral, evidently in a sinking state, to the anchorage above the battery. The 'Volage' escaped without any injury; but the 'Hyacinth,' which was for some time surrounded by the junks, had one man slightly wounded, and got her main-yard much damaged.

Captain Smith having effected his object, the return of the war-junks above the fort, and not wishing to cause any unnecessary bloodshed, at one, P.M., made the signal to terminate the action, and returned that night to Macao. He there embarked a number of British residents who had gone there while negotiations were pending, and proceeded to Hong Kong, leaving the 'Hyacinth' at Macao.

It afterwards appeared, that from the British ships retiring without inflicting further punishment on the Chinese, Admiral Kwan, on his return to Canton, boasted that he had gained a great victory, and was in consequence covered with rewards and honours, while it encouraged his countrymen to persevere in the contest. Captain Smith acted perfectly right; but it is another of many examples of the difficulty of dealing with barbarians, and the danger often of treating them with leniency and forbearance until they have completely succumbed. All trade with the English was now prohibited, though American vessels brought down teas from Canton to the ships lying outside the Boca Tigris, and carried back goods in return.

ARRIVAL OF BRITISH SQUADRON AND TRANSPORTS.

Soon after the event we have just described, the Chinese authorities at Canton sent a boat-load of poisoned tea, packed in small parcels, to be sold to the English seamen; but the boat falling into the hands of Chinese pirates, her cargo was sold by them to their countrymen, many of whom died in consequence. About this time a proclamation was issued, offering 20,000 Spanish dollars to any one who would capture an English 80-gun ship; and for taking alive a foreign mandarin or captain 5,000 dollars, and so on for other officers in proportion to their rank, while a third of the sum was to be paid for killing them. The Chinese were making preparations at this period for future operations in the Canton river; troops were exercised, fire-ships were prepared, and guns collected. Lin also got up a sham fight at the Bogue, dressing some of the troops in red clothes, who were soundly beaten, to teach the Celestials to conquer the barbarian English. The Chinese had also purchased a large English merchant-ship, intending to turn her into a man-of-war, and had built some odd little craft in imitation of English schooners.

On the 24th of March the 'Druid' frigate, commanded by Lord John Churchill, arrived off Macao, and thence proceeded to Tongkoo Roads.

The expedition having reached Singapore, and waited there till the 30th of May for Admiral the Hon. G. Elliot., who was expected from the Cape of Good Hope, began to assemble in Macao Roads towards the end of June. It consisted of the following ships and 27 transports, having on board the 18th, 26th and 49th European Regiments, 37th Madras infantry, a body of Bengal volunteers, and a corps of Madras sappers and miners. The troops, who numbered about 4,000 men, were under the command of Colonel Oglander. On his death he was succeeded by Colonel Burrel.

British squadron employed on the coast of China.—'Melville,' 74 (flag-ship), Rear-Admiral the Hon. George Elliot, C.B., Captain the Hon. B. S. Dundas; 'Wellesley,' 74 (bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Sir J. G. Gordon Bremer, C.B.), Captain Thomas Maitland; 'Blenheim,' 74, Sir H. S. Fleming Senhouse, K.C.B.; 'Druid,' 44, Captain H. Smith;[1] 'Blonde,' 44, Captain F. Bourchier; 'Conway,' 28, Captain C. D. Bethune; 'Volage,' 28, Captain George Elliot; 'Alligator,' 28, Captain H. Kuper; 'Larne,' Captain J. P. Blake; 'Hyacinth,' 20, Captain W. Warren; 'Modeste,' 20, Captain H. Eyres; 'Pylades,' 20, Commander T. V. Anson; 'Nimrod,' 20, Commander C. A. Barlow; 'Cruiser,' 18, Commander H. W. Giffard; 'Columbine,' 18, Commander T. J. Clarke; 'Algerine,' 10, Lieut.-Commander T. S. Mason; 'Rattlesnake' (troop-ship), Master Commander Brodie; Hon. East India Company's armed steamers 'Queen,' Commander Warden; 'Madagascar,' Commander Dicey; 'Atalanta,' Commander Rogers; 'Enterprise,' Commander West.

The Admiral not having arrived, the fleet was under the command of Sir Gordon Bremer. While at Singapore, Captain Maitland had drilled 350 seamen of the 'Wellesley' as light-infantry troops and brought them into an admirable state of efficiency. Instead of at once passing the Boca Tigris and attacking Canton, part of the fleet was ordered to proceed north, along the east coast, while the remainder blockaded the mouth of the Canton River.

[1] Lord John Churchill dying, Captain Smith was appointed to the 'Druid,' and G. Elliot succeeded him in the 'Volage.'

PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. 'BLONDE' OFF AMOY,

July 3rd, 1840.

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.

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.

At three A.M. on the 13th, Captain Scott, taking with him the small-arm men and marines of the 'Samarang,' went on board the 'Nemesis,' which, towing the 'Samarang's' pinnace, mounting two twelve-pound carronades, cutter, six-oared gig, four-oared gig, and the 'Atalanta's' pinnace, mounting two twelve-pound howitzers, got under weigh from Macao Roads, and proceeded over the flats between Twee-lieu-shaw and Toi-koke-tow Islands, on the Broadway River.

At eight A.M. they came in sight of Macao fort, and the steamer having taken up an infilading position, where not a gun of the enemy could bear upon her, opened her fire, while the boats proceeded to the attack. On their approach the Chinese abandoned the place. Thirteen guns were found mounted, which were completely destroyed, the buildings set fire to, and a train laid to the magazine, which exploded before the boats returned to the 'Nemesis.'

On reaching Point How-Hoak-Tow, the river is divided into two channels—that to the right takes a sudden sharp turn, and becomes very narrow. Here was discovered the lately constructed field-battery of Tai-yat-kok, strongly posted on rising ground on the left bank of the river, surrounded by overflowed paddy-fields, which infiladed the whole line of the reach leading to it. As the steamer appeared round the point, the enemy opened an animated fire upon her, which was smartly kept up. It was most effectually returned by the two guns from the 'Nemesis,' which vessel threw her shot, shells, and rockets, admirably directed by Mr. Edward Crouch, gunnery mate of the 'Wellesley,' whose firing Captain Scott describes as perfect rifle practice. The boats advanced under the slight cover of the bank; but before a landing could be effected on their flanks, the enemy abandoned the guns, when the attacking party, passing in single files by a narrow pathway, took possession of the work. The boats, after destroying a military depot and chop-house on the opposite side of the river, returned on board. Ascending a little way, nine war-junks were caught sight of, to which chase was given. Just afterwards a fort, called Houchung, was seen on the left side, from which strong stakes had been driven across the river. The junks headed towards the stakes, and the last had passed through, and the opening was again closed before the boats got up. The enemy then set an example of hostility, by firing from the fort and junks now under sail, which was replied to by the 'Nemesis' with good effect. Meantime the boats opened a passage through the stakes, one division dashing on to attack the fort, and the other, gallantly led by Lieut. Bower, against the junks. The first party, by wading the ditch and entering the embrasures, secured the fort. The crews of the war-junks, on seeing the fall of the fort, became so panic-struck on the approach of the boats, that seven got on shore, the people jumping overboard as they grounded—two junks only escaping. In passing on to cut them off, Lieut. Bower was fired on by another fort, called Tie-shu-kok, which he immediately attacked and took. During this time Mr. Hall got the 'Nemesis' through the stakes, and after the fort and junks were burnt, the two other junks were again chased: 21 guns were destroyed in the forts, and 28 in the junks. At half-past three the large trading town of Heong-shan was reached, built on either side of the river. The houses and streets were crowded with people, looking on at the steamer, and hundreds of trading-junks and other crafts were packed close together along the quays, and full of people. The steamer passed on without injuring any one, the inhabitants appearing to be most peaceably disposed, nor in any way afraid. This state of feeling had arisen from the efforts of Captain Elliot, and Mr. Morrison and Mr. Thorn, the interpreters, who had taken every means in their power to convince the people that the British were making war on the government and the soldiers, and not on them. Several mandarin boats, however, fled; but very soon one of the war-junks was run on shore, her crew, who jumped overboard, finding that they could not escape the steamer. She was at once boarded and blown up. Directly afterwards another masked battery at Sheongchap was discovered, stormed, and destroyed, by the boats' crews of the 'Samarang.' It now being six o'clock, the channel very narrow, and the water shallow, the 'Nemesis' anchored for the night.

At daylight on the morning of the 14th, the steamer weighed and proceeded through a channel not broader than her own length, grounding occasionally, and at 7.50 reached the village and fort of Hong-how. The latter fired, was stormed, the troops fled, and it was blown up. After the crews had toiled incessantly for four hours, aided by the natives, who willingly offered their services, a strong line of stakes was removed, and the 'Nemesis' proceeded, taking only one fort during the day, and anchored at six P.M. for the night. Continuing her course at daylight, the 'Nemesis' reached the large village of Tamchow, where a number of soldiers appeared, who were dispersed; and afterwards she reached the town of Tsenei, near which were three abandoned forts, and where she destroyed the custom-house, as well as a man-of-war junk, mounting seven guns, which the crew abandoned at her approach. At four P.M. the 'Nemesis,' after passing some very beautiful country, reached Whampoa, having destroyed, in conjunction with the boats, five forts, one battery, two military stations, and nine war-junks, in which were 115 guns and 8 gingals.

During the whole expedition three seamen of the 'Samarang' only were slightly wounded. Captain Scott speaks in high terms of Mr. Hall, R.N., commanding the 'Nemesis;' of Lieut. William Pedder, R.N., her chief officer; of Mr. Crouch, gunnery mate; and of Captain Larkins, late of the Hon. East India Company's service, who acted as a volunteer; also of Lieut. Bowyer, First of 'Samarang;' Lieut. Maitland; Acting Lieut. Lysaught; and Lieut. Gordon, of the marines; as well as Messrs. Noble, Parkhurst, Luard, Armitage, mates; Mr. Tucker, second master; and Dr. Mackay, assistant surgeon.

By the expedition the Chinese learned that the British could pass through their inner waters, notwithstanding any impediment they might be able to throw in their way.

CAPTURE OF FORTS OF CANTON AND CHINESE FLOTILLA,

March 18th, 1841.

While the advanced squadron were at anchor off Whampoa, Captain Elliot despatched the 'Nemesis' with a letter, to be delivered at the first convenient spot to the Chinese authorities. Captains Herbert, Bourchier, and Bethune, and other officers, were on board. With a flag-of-truce flying, she approached a fort, called the Birds-nest Fort, off which was a large flotilla of junks, while a line of rafts crossed the river. Captain Bethune, having undertaken to deliver the letter, pushed off in a boat with a white flag flying, when a shower of grape-shot was discharged at her from the fort. The 'Nemesis' fired in return, but did not destroy the fort, Captain Herbert being anxious to consult with Captain Elliot before carrying hostilities further. The Chinese, in consequence, boasted that they had driven away "a devil ship," and the Commandant received a peacock feather as a reward for his courage.

The result of Captain Herbert's consultation with Captain Elliot was that he resolved instantly to punish the Chinese for the insult offered to the British flag by taking Canton itself. Preparations were accordingly made. The vessels employed were 'Modeste,' Commander Eyres; 'Algerine,' Lieut. Mason; 'Starling,' Lieut. Kellett; 'Herald', Captain Nias (later in the day); 'Hebe' and 'Louisa,' tenders, Mr. Quin and Mr. Carmichael; steamer, 'Nemesis,' Mr. Hall, R.N.; 'Madagascar,' Mr. Dicey. There was also a flotilla of nearly 40 boats, under command of Captain Bourchier, assisted by Captain Bethune. They were in four divisions, three under the immediate orders of Commanders Barlow and Clarke, and of Lieut. Coulson of the 'Blonde,' and a fourth jointly of Commanders Warren and Belcher, who were on board the 'Hyacinth,' which, with much perseverance, was got through the intricate passes of the river. The latter force was placed at the southern entrance of the river communicating with the main stream at Patee, to meet any retrograde movement of the numerous flotilla that had taken part in the aggression on the 16th. Upwards of 50 naval officers embarked in the boats to take a share in the work of the day. A number of smugglers, it was said, had been promised their pardon for assisting the Government, and their boats were found drawn up across the mouth of the Macao passage. The Chinese had also equipped a number of gun-boats after European models, so that it was expected the British flotilla would have ample employment. About noon the 'Nemesis,' 'Modeste,' and 'Madagascar,' having bombarded the Birds-nest Fort and another beyond it, which were taken possession of by their boats' crews, moved on to the attack of Canton. In the mean time the 'Starling' and 'Algerine' forced a way through the rafts, followed by the 'Hebe' and 'Louisa,' which, with part of Captain Bourchier's flotilla, attacked and captured a strong sand-bag battery, and put to flight a number of war-junks and armed boats. A strong fort opposite the city was next silenced, and afterwards taken by Commander Belcher and Lieut. Pedder.

The 'Nemesis' then pursued a large flotilla up the river; and Commanders Belcher and Warren, with their division of boats, having got through the Patee Creek, came suddenly on them, and destroyed a large number.

Meantime the 'Modeste' was placed within 300 yards in front of the principal battery, flanked by the guns of the 'Madagascar' and 'Nemesis.' After they had engaged the batteries for about an hour, the flotilla, with the marines under Captain Bourchier, was brought up in admirable order, and, upon the signal being given, stormed and completed the capture of the enemy's works, notwithstanding a most determined resistance on the part of the Tartar troops. Captain Bourchier was employed in keeping the boats' crews together to repress any outbreak of the population; and he observing a number of burning junks drifting down on the suburbs of Canton, which would inevitably have set fire to the city, by the most energetic exertions of his officers and men they were towed away from the spot.

By much labour the 'Herald,' Captain Nias, was got over the flats later in the day, and by her more imposing appearance contributed to bring the Chinese to reason. The Commodore also arrived in his gig in time to see the British colours hoisted on the flagstaff of the factory by Commander Belcher, they having been just before waved from one of the windows by Mr. Hall as a sign that the place was in possession of the British. The rest of the day was employed in destroying several junks, which had escaped in different directions, and in taking possession of several forts. In two or three instances, after all opposition had ceased, bodies of soldiers rushed out and attacked the English, but were quickly driven among the narrow lanes, where it was thought imprudent to follow them. Thus the second city of China fell into the hands of the British, with the loss only of seven men wounded. Among them was Lieut. Stransham, of the Marines, who was much burnt by the explosion of a magazine, but refused to quit his post. The Chinese lost 400 men in killed and wounded, and 123 guns were captured. As soon as the forts were taken, Captain Elliot hoisted a flag-of-truce, and entered into an agreement with the Chinese High Commissioner for the suspension of hostilities, and for opening the trade to the British.

It is foreign to our plan to discuss the advantage of the proceedings; but at all events it is another proof of Captain Elliot's anxiety to prevent the unnecessary effusion of blood, and to convince the Chinese that the sole object of the British was to bring their Government to reason, and to induce them to trade on just and equal terms, and to behave according to the customs of civilized nations.

Trade was, therefore, again opened, and went on for some time with great activity; but doubts and suspicions soon arose, and in a few weeks it became necessary to repeat the lesson before given. In the mean time Sir Gordon Bremer sailed for Calcutta to report the state of affairs.

CHINESE ATTEMPT TO DESTROY BRITISH SHIPS WITH FIRE RAFTS,

May 21st, 1841.

Notwithstanding the truce, the Chinese were endeavouring to rebuild their fortifications, three Tartar Generals arrived at Canton with orders to exterminate the British, and junks were fitting out and fire-rafts were forming to carry their plans into effect; indeed it became certain that some plan of treachery was in contemplation. On this, Captain Elliot, and a party of marines with him, withdrew from the British Factory, followed by all British subjects, and the flag of England was again lowered at Canton.

An advanced squadron under Captain Herbert was lying off Canton, consisting of the 'Modeste,' 'Pylades,' 'Nemesis,' 'Louisa,' and 'Aurora,' and a little lower down were the 'Herald' and 'Calliope.' The evening of the 21st was very gloomy and the night unusually dark. Every one was impressed with a feeling that something was about to happen. Double sentries were placed onboard the ships, the men were ordered to lie down equipped ready for service, the officers themselves in their cloaks on deck, and the 'Nemesis' kept her fires lighted, so that her steam might be got up in a few minutes. The 'Modeste,' being a little in advance, one of her sentries observed several large dark-looking masses dropping down with the stream. On his hailing, they were immediately set on fire by the Chinese on board, and the flames bursting forth, pointed out the danger to the other vessels. In nine minutes the 'Nemesis' had her steam up, and was running towards the fire-rafts, to assist the boats of the squadron engaged in towing them away. Fortunately the plans of the Chinese were disconcerted by this premature discovery. Out of a hundred not more than a dozen were ignited and sent against the ships, and numbers of these drifted on shore, some of which set the suburbs of the city on fire. While the burning rafts were drifting about, lighting up the ships and the town and the troops on shore with their Tartar officers encouraging them to fight, their own crews were endeavouring to make their escape from the blazing machines. These rafts were formed of boats chained together, so that, drifting down with the stream, they might hang across the bows of a ship, and would with much difficulty have been cleared had they once got there. Meantime the Chinese batteries opened on the squadron, which did not fail to return their fire with much effect, while the small-arm men picked off the people on the fire-rafts. The Chinese brought down a gun and planted it within good range of the 'Louisa' and 'Aurora,' and might have blown them out of the water had not their crews, by veering and hauling on their cables, baulked the Chinese gunners, and they thus escaped with little damage. In the morning the Shameen battery was taken, and 43 war-junks and 32 fire-rafts were destroyed, besides which, a desirable landing-place was discovered, by which the troops might disembark, and advance towards the heights of Canton. During these operations Mr. Hall performed a gallant act, which probably saved the lives of Captains Elliot and Herbert, and all standing near. A Congreve rocket had been placed in a tube, and ignited when it hung within it, instead of flying out. In another moment it would have burst, scattering destruction around, when Mr. Hall thrust his arm into the tube and forced it out from behind. The rush of fire, however, severely burnt his hand, and caused him much suffering. It was long indeed before he recovered the use of his hand. We mention it as a worthy act of presence of mind and courage.

While the advanced squadron was attacked with fire-rafts off Canton, a similar attempt was made on the same night, to destroy the 'Alligator,' Captain Kuper, anchored off Howqua's Folly. The rafts were floating up with the flood-tide, from a point not expected, when they were discovered. The 'Alligator' was anchored in a confined position, with a line of Nankin junks and stakes astern, so that she could not slip; but by steering the ship some of them were avoided; while her First Lieutenant, Stewart, and Messrs. Woolcombe and Baker, mates, by their activity in the boats, towed the others clear. Some passed within ten yards of the bows, while a number of Chinese were collected on shore, probably to destroy any of the crew escaping from the ship, had she been burnt.

Three nights afterwards the 'Wellesley,' anchored at the Bogue, was attacked by 20 fire-vessels, chained in twos and threes, with gunpowder and a variety of combustibles on board. A large number of her crew and officers were absent with the advanced squadron, under Captain Maitland, and it was not without great exertion that Commander Fletcher, having only three boats left behind, was able to tow them clear of the ship.

CAPTURE OF CANTON,

May 23rd to 30th.

In consequence of the hostile proceedings we have described of the Chinese, Sir Hugh Gough, in conjunction with Sir Le Fleming Senhouse and Captain Elliot, Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, resolved forthwith to attack Canton. An expedition to Amoy, which had been in contemplation, was consequently given up. One of the first steps taken was to secure a sufficient number of boats to land the troops at once, and this object was speedily effected by Commanders Belcher, of the 'Sulphur,' and Barlow, of the 'Nimrod,' an ample supply of boats of all shapes, rigs, and sizes, being collected. The 24th was fixed on for the attack, as it was the birthday of Her Majesty. On the 23rd Sir Le Fleming Senhouse and Sir Hugh Gough, having made a reconnoissance, everything was ready. The British force consisted of the following ships and vessels:—'Wellesley,' at Boca Tigris, sent up her marines and 100 seamen. Macao first division, 'Blenheim,' 'Blonde,' 'Sulphur,' 'Hyacinth,' 'Nimrod,' 'Modeste,' 'Pylades,' 'Cruiser, 'Columbine,' 'Algerine,' 'Starling,' and 'Atalanta,' and 'Nemesis' steamers.

In the Whampoa division, under Captain Herbert, were 'Calliope,' 'Conway,' 'Herald,' 'Alligator.' In the above ships and vessels were, including officers, seamen, and marines, about 3,200 men; of whom, about 1,000, including marines, landed to serve with the army. The land force under Sir Hugh Gough, numbered about 2,223.

The troops were embarked in two columns. The right column under the command of Major Pratt, was ordered to hold the factories, and was taken up by the 'Atalanta' steamer. The left, which comprised the main body of the army, and which was directed to carry the heights above the city, was divided into four brigades. It was embarked in the strange collection of native craft collected by Commander Belcher. This primitive-looking fleet of transports, towed by the 'Nemesis,' reached the landing-place of T-sing-poo about dark, without having experienced the slightest obstruction on the way from the Chinese. Commander Belcher had already got the 'Sulphur' there, and had taken possession of a number of temples for the accommodation of the troops.

This landing-place of T-sing-poo is on the banks of a creek which circles round the west of the city, and is so situated that the troops could march up directly to the heights it was intended they should occupy above the city.

The city and its suburbs occupy the entire space between the hills and the river. The city is surrounded by a high wall about six miles in circumference, and is again divided by a wall into two unequal parts called the old and new town, of which the latter is the smallest. The suburbs are as extensive as the city itself, and on the south extend to the water's edge. In the west corner are situated the foreign factories. The walls extend to the brow of the hills, and indeed there is a hill of some height within them. Four strong forts, mounting altogether 42 guns, and a great number of gingals and wall-pieces, crowned the heights above the city.

Opposite the city was the naval arsenal: to the east the French fort, and to the west, opposite the factories, the Dutch fort.

Considerably to the west, at the bend of the river, is the Shameen fort.

We must now describe the proceedings of the attacking force. The land force was commanded by Sir Hugh Gough in person, and he was accompanied by Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, to whom Commander Belcher acted as aid-de-camp. The naval brigade, consisting of 430 officers and men, was directed to act with the troops. It was under the orders of Captain Bourchier, and was divided into two battalions commanded by Captain Maitland and Commander Barlow. The troops advanced towards the heights over very difficult and broken ground, up which they had to drag their guns with much labour; the heat also was excessive, and many suffered from it. As the troops advanced, the Chinese receded before them, though the forts kept up a spirited fire on their columns; but without a moment's delay they were stormed by the troops and seamen, and then in little more than half an hour after the advance had been sounded, the British flag waved on all the heights which overlooked the city. While the troops were attacking the forts assigned to them, the blue-jackets carried the two western batteries, called by the Chinese the fortresses of Perpetual Bliss and Everlasting Security. They were much exposed, in their advance; and unfortunately Lieutenant Fox and Mr. Kendal, mate, both of the 'Nlmrod,' each lost a leg, the former of whom died the same evening under amputation. Several seamen were also wounded. An intrenched camp outside the north-east gate was next attacked and carried in gallant style.

While these affairs were taking place on the height, the Chinese in great force attacked the joss-house at the landing-place, where a small body only of troops had been stationed to protect the stores, guns, &c. The moment the attack was perceived, the 'Nemesis' and 'Starling' opened their fire, under cover of which, Mr. Hall, from the 'Nemesis,' and Mr. Gross, from the 'Sulphur,' landed with a party of officers and seamen, and boldly attacked the Chinese in front. The blue-jackets quickly drove them back into the town with the loss of three field-pieces and 30 men killed, while several houses under which they had attempted to rally were set on fire.

While these affairs were taking place on shore, the advanced squadron before the river front of the city, were not idle.

We will first describe the operations of Commander Warren's division. The 'Hyacinth' and 'Nimrod' first attacked the Shameen battery, in order to cover the landing of the 26th regiment from the 'Atalanta' at the factories, while the 'Modeste,' 'Cruiser,' and 'Columbine,' took up a position to bombard the Dutch Folly fort, and to enfilade the line of batteries lately thrown up in front of the city, to the eastward of that fort.

As soon as the ships had taken up their position, the Chinese set three fire-vessels adrift; but though a strong tide brought them rapidly down towards the fleet, the boats, by pushing off instantly, were able to tow them clear of the ships and to carry them on shore, when they set fire to the suburbs. The factories being deserted, the troops were landed without obstruction. That service being accomplished, the 'Algerine,' Lieutenant Mason, proceeded to attack a fort to the eastward; which instantly opening a hot fire on the brig, the boats of the 'Hyacinth,' under Lieut. Stewart and Mr. Barclay, mate, with the 'Modeste's,' Mr. Fitzgerald, mate; 'Cruiser's,' Lieutenant Haskell, and Mr. Drake, mate; 'Pylades',' Lieutenant Hay, and 'Columbine's,' Lieutenants Hamilton and Helpman, and Mr. Mills, mate, were sent to her support. They at once pushed for the shore under a heavy fire from 11 guns, musketry, and gingals, and stormed the fort, which the Chinese defended with much gallantry. Mr. Fitzgerald fell mortally wounded, and several seamen were killed and wounded, but the fort was captured and all the guns spiked. Lieutenant Moorshead, First of the 'Hyacinth,' whose gallantry was highly praised by Commander Warren, was wounded in a personal engagement with a mandarin. Mr. Dolby, mate, and Mr. Higgs, second master of the 'Algerine,' also behaved with great courage and steadiness.

Captain Herbert, accompanied by Captain Bethune, meantime, was proceeding up the river with the boats and marines of the 'Calliope,' 'Conway,' and 'Herald,' when, on passing the French fort, they were assailed by so hot a fire, one shot passing through Captain Herbert's boat, that they were compelled to remain under cover till dark. At 2 A.M., by a preconcerted signal with Captain Bethune, who had one division of the boats, they pulled up together to the arsenal, which they attacked and carried. The next morning Captain Eyres, by great exertions, got the 'Modeste' over the bar, and no other vessel being able to join her, with the exception of the 'Algerine,' the 'Atalanta' having grounded, Captain Herbert fitted three of the captured junks with shell-guns, and placed them under the command of Lieuts. Haskell and Hay, seniors of the 'Cruiser' and 'Pylades.' This force opened a hot fire on the French fort, which the enemy returned with some courage, but being speedily silenced, and a few well-directed broadsides clearing the beach, the signal was given to advance. On this, Captain Bethune landed with the storming party, and the fort was carried in the most gallant style. The whole line of defence, extending about two miles from the factory, which, with the exception of the French fort, had lately been constructed in the strongest manner, was destroyed, and a free communication was opened with the ships at Napier's fort.

Twenty-four large war-junks were captured in the arsenal, and the same number of row-boats of large size, besides a quantity of timber, gun-carriages, and stores, while 64 guns were destroyed.