CAPTURE OF CANTON. 29th. December, 1857.
Reading edition
A reconnaissance was made on the 22nd. of December, 1857, by a body of British and French troops, to ascertain the exact position and strength of the forts to the north of Canton. A similar step was taken in the course of a day or two, to gain information regarding the eastern side of the city, and a proclamation was subsequently issued, notifying that the place, if not surrendered, would be bombarded and stormed.
After a cannonade, which commenced on the 28th. of December, 1857, the troops were embarked for Kupar Creek at the south-east of the town, which was deemed the most 291convenient for landing the attacking force.[98] This was composed of British and French troops; the former had been formed into two brigades; the first, consisting of the first and second battalions of Royal Marine Light Infantry, was under Colonel Holloway, of that corps; the second, composed of Royal Engineers and Volunteer Company of Sappers, Royal Artillery, and Royal Marine Artillery, Provisional Battalion Royal Marines, the 59th. regiment, and the 38th. Madras Native Infantry, was commanded by Colonel Hope Graham, of the 59th. The artillery was under Colonel Dunlop.
The landing having been effected, the enemy was immediately attacked. The East or Linn Fort was soon gained, the Chinese, after a vigorous fire, having abandoned it and retreated to Gough’s Fort. The cannonade continued all day, and throughout the following night, the firing from the ships being also continued. On the 29th. the east wall of the city was escaladed by the British and French, and after a considerable resistance, the enemy was driven along it and out of the eastern gate of the city, of which possession was at once taken. On this occasion the 59th., under Major Burmester, advanced as the covering party to the French Naval Brigade and Royal Marines. Major Luard, Brigade-Major to the second brigade, is stated to have been the first on the walls of Canton. The casualties were small.
For a week the allies occupied the walls between Magazine Hill and the south-east corner of the city, no descent being made into the streets. All this time everything appeared to be proceeding as usual, the inhabitants pursuing their avocations with the greatest unconcern, no offer of submission being made. This was soon changed; on the morning of the 5th. of January, the troops descended into the streets, when the governor of the city, the Tartar General, and the celebrated Commissioner Yeh were soon captured.[99] The latter was subsequently sent to Calcutta.
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