The Sun.
London, England, 1841-10-08 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 3 41.

• Royal Artillery, Lieutc-
-3d (Artillery) Bri- I nant Spencer
Bade under Capt.{ AladrasArtillcry,inclucling
Knowles, R.A.... I Gun Lascars, Captain
Anstruther lO 231
Sappers and Miners, Capt •
Cotton 4 137
lye-pounder howitzers.
3-pounder field guns.
pounder ditto.
-anal-a-half-inch mortars.
tv-tWo pounder rockets.
(Ist. Naval Battalion, Capt.
Maitland,.H.lll.S., Wel-
lesley ll - 172
2d Naval Battalion, Coin.
I . mander Barlow, H.M.S.
Nimrod.
lr (Right) Brigade f Royal Marines, Captain
(Reserve) Ellis 9 372
under Major-Gen. 418th Royal Irish, Lieut
Burrell t Col. Adams 25 495
6. The right column rettchefl its point of attack before
five, and took possession of the -factories, when
Major Pratt made the necessary -arrangements •to
strengthen his post, holding his men ready for offensive
or defensive operations.
7. The left column, towed by the Nemesis, from the
difficulties of the passage, with such a fleet. of .::raft as she
had in tow, did not reach the Sulphur until dusk,-which
vessel Captain Belcher had judiciously anchored close to
the village of TsinF• hae, the point of debarkation, about
five miles by the river line above the factories. I could,
therefore, only land the 49th Regiment, with which corps
I.made a reconnoissance to some distance, meeting a few
straggling parties of the enemy. After placing the
picquets, the corps fell back on the village of Tsing-hae,
to protect and cover the landing of the guns, which was
effected during the night by the zealous. efforts of the
Artillery. The following morning the remainder of the
column landed, and the whole proceeded soon after day-
light.

2 33

Ordnance... 4 twe
4 nin(
2 six•
:3 five.
152 thir

.2d Naval Brigade
tinder, Capt.Bour-
elder, H. M. S
• Blonde

. 11 172

8. The heights to the north of Canton, crowned by
four strong forts and the city walls, which run over the
southern extremity of those heights, including. one ele-
vated point, appeared to be about three miles and a half
distant ; the intermediate ground, undulating much, and
intersected by hollowi under wet paddy cultivation
enabled me to take up successive positions, until we ap-
proached witliin'range of the forts on the heights and
the northern fate' of the city walls. I had to wait hero
some time, placing the men under corer, to bring up the
rocket battery and artillery.
9. I have already informed your Lordship that I was
totally unacquainted with the country which I had to
pass over, the amount of the enemy's force, or the diffi-
culties that might present themselves at every step; but
I had the proud consciousness of feeling that your Lord-
ship had placed under me a band whom no dispa•ity of
numbers could dishearten, and no difficulty could check.
They nobly realised, by their steadiness under fire, their
disciplined advance, and their animated rush, my warmest
anticipations.
10. Having ftt eight o'clock got up the rocket battery,
with two 5i inch mortars, two 12 pounder howitzers
and two 9 pounder guns, a well directed fire was kept
up on the two western forts, which had much annoyed
us by a heavy fire. I now made the disposition for
attack in echelon of columns from the left, and directed
the 49th regiment to carry a hill on the left or the near-
est eastern fort, supported by the 87th Madras Native
Infantry and Bengal Volunteers, under Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Morris, of the 49th Regiment. The 18th Royal
Irish, supported by the Royal Marines, under Major-
General Burrell, I directed to carry a hill to their front,
which was strongly occupied, and flanked the approach
to the fort just mentioned. This movement was to cut
off the communication between the two eastern forts,
and cover the advance of the 49th in their attack and
storm of the nearest. Major-General Burrell had direc-
tions to push on, and take ;the principal square fort,
when the 49th made their rush.- Simultaneous with
these attacks, the brigade of seamen was to carry the
two western forts, covered by a concentrated fire from
the whole of the guns and the rockets.
11. During the whole of the advance, my right had
been threatened by a large bOdy of the enemy, which
debouched from the western suburbs, and just as I was
about to commence the attack, a report was made that
heavy columns were advancing on the right; I was there-
fore compelled to detach the Marines, under Capt. Ellis,
to support the brigade of seamen, and to corer my right
and rear.

12. At about half-past nine o'clock, the advance was
sounded, and it has seldom fallen to my lot to witness a
more soldier-like and steady advance, or a more animated
attack. Every individual, native as well as European,
steadily and gallantly did his duty. The 18th and 49th
were emulous which should first reach their appointed
goals ; but, under the impulse of this feeling, they did
not lose sight of that discipline which could alone insure
success. The advance of the 37th Madras Native Infan-
try and Bengal Volunteers, in support, was equally praise-
worthy.
13. The result of this combined movement was, that
the two forts were captured with comparatively small
loss, and that, in little more than half an hour after the
order to advance was given, the British troops looked
down on Canton within 100 paces of its walls.
14. The well-directed fire of the artillery in the centre
was highly creditable, and did great execution.
15. In co-operation with these attacks, I witnessed
with no ordinary gratification the noble rush of the bri-
gade of seamen, under their gallant leader Captain Bour-
chier, exposed to a heavy fire from the whole of the
north-western rampart. This right attack was equally
successful, and here also the British standard proudly
waved on the two western forts, while the British tars
looked down upon the north-western face of the city and
its subuib.

16. During the greater part of the day a very spirited
fire from heavy pieces of ordnance, ginjalls, and match-
locks, was kept up on the different columns, occupying
the heights and forts.

17. A strongly entrenched camp of considerable ex-
tent, occupied apparently by about four thousand men,
lay to the north east of the city upon rising ground, se-
parated by a tract of paddy land from the base of the
heights. Frequent attacks were made upon my left by
bodies sent from this encampment, but were as frequently
repulsed by the 49th. This, however, exposed the men
to a heavy fire from the walls of the city.
18. About two o'clock, perceiving that mandarins of
consequence were joining this force from the city, and
had occupied a village in rear of my left, I directed the
49th to dislodge them. This was instantly effected in
the same spirited manner that had marked every move-
ment of this gallant corps. About three o'clock, it was
evident that some mandarin of high rank had reached
the encampment—(l have sinco understood that it
was Yang, the Tartar General)—and that prepa'rations
were making for a fresh attack. I ordered down the
18th, therefore, with one company of the Royal Ma-
rines, to reinforce the 49th, and directed Major-General
Burrell to assume the command, to repel the projected
attack, and instantly to follow up the enemy across a
narrow causeway, the only approach, and take and de-
stroy the encampment. This duty was well and gallantly
performed, but I regret to say with rather severe loss
from the difficulty of approach, exposed to a heavy fire
from the guns and ginjalls on the north-east face of the
city wall. The enemy were driven at all points, and fled
across the country ' • the encampment was burnt, the
magazines, of which there were several, blown up, and
the permanent buildings of considerable exte9t set on
fife. I had as much pleasure in witnessing, as I have in
recording, my approval of the spirited conduct of Captain
Grattan, who commanded the two leading companies of
the 18th, across the causeway. These companies n ere
closely followed by the 49th, the remainder of the 18th
and a company of Royal Marines, who passed along a
bank of the paddy fields to their left. The enemy not
appearing inclined to move out of the town to support
this point, I directed the force to return to the heights.
19. Having reconnoitred the walls and gates, I de-
cided on taking the city by assault, or rather upon taking
a strong fortified height of considerable extent within
the city wall, before the panic ceased, but the hill in
our rear being peculiarly rugged, and its base difficult
to approach on account of the narrowness of the path
between wet paddy fields, I had only been enabled to
get up a very few of the lightest pieces of ordnance,
and a small proportion of ammunition. I therefore
deemed it right to await the arrival of this necessary arm
to make the assault.

20. The following morning, the 26th, at ten o'clock,
a flag of truce was hoisted on the walls, when I deputed
Mr. Thom (whom Captain Elliot had sent to me as in-
terpreter)
,to ascertain the, cause. A mandarin stated
that they Wished for peace. I had it explained that,
as General commanding the British, I would treat
with none but the General commanding the Chinese
troops—that we came before Canton much against
the wishes of the British nation ; but that re-
peated.insults and breaches of faith had compelled us
to make the present movement, and that I would
cease from hostilities for two hours to enable their Ge-
neral to meet me and Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, who
kindly accompanied me throughout the whole operation,
and to whose judicious arrangements and unceasing ex-
ertions for the furtherance of the united services (and I
am proud to say they are united in hand and heart), I
cannot too strongly express my sense of obligation. 1
further explained that Captain Elliot, her Majesty's
Plenipotentiary, was with the advanced squadron to the
south of the city, and that if I did not receive a commu-
nication from him, or had not a satisfactory interview
with the General, I should at the termination of the two
hours, order the white flag to be struck.
21. As the General did not make his appearance,
although numerous messages were received between this
time (about noon) and 4, P.m., I :hauled down the white
flag. The enemy, however, did not, which was rather
convenient, as it enabled me to get up my guns and am-
munition, without exposing my men to fire.
22. During the night of the 26th, every thing was
prepared on our side, with the exception of one twelve-
pounder howitzer, the carriage of which had been disa-
bled ; the guns, by the indefatigable exertion of the
officers and men of the Royal artillery and Madras artil-
lery and sappers, were placed in position. All was ready,
and the necessary orders were given for opening the bat-
teries at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 27th, and for the
assault at 8, in four columns.
23. The right column, composed of the Royal Marines
under Captain Ellis, had directions to pass through a
deserted village, to the right of the north gate, to blow
the gate open with powder-bags, if possible ; and, if not,
to escalade a circular work thrown up as a second defence
to that gate.

- 24. The second column on the right, consisting of the
brigade of seamen, under Captain Bouchier, was directed
to make the assault by escalade on the opposite side of
the circular defence, where the wall appeared compara.
ticovered by a heavy fire of musketry from the
hill within low,ithin pistol shot of the wall. This column would
have been exposed only to the fire of a few flanking
guns, which I calculated would have been kept under by
the fire of the covering party.
25. T-belfith-
Royal Irish. under Lieutenant-Colonel

Mums, were ordered to advance from the rear of a hill
close to the five storied Pagoda, and to escalade the walls
y gre
behind this Pagoda (which- was nut flanked. except-- by
one gun). 'although the were ver . hi h, from 28 .to 30
feet,
.but I hoped by the concentrated fire
. of the guns to
have reduced an exceedhiglY'lligh and apparently slight
parapet. The escalade of this corps was to be covered 0y
the Bengal Volunteers and a coin any of the 37th
Ma-
dras
Native Infantry.
26. The...left -assault was to be :made by the 49th„
under. Lkut.-Colonel Morris.. This corps was directed
to escalade by a bastion directly in front of and com-
manded by the principal fort in our possession, called by
which would have prevented the enemy fram making
the Chi
use of the;r guns. To strengthen this attack, two cem-
nese Yung-Kung-Tai;' the tire of musketry from
panieS the 37th 'Madras Native Infantry were to oc-
cupy the heights and keep up a rapid fire upon the wall.
27. The ground was. peculiarly favourable for these
several attacks, and for the effective fire of. the covering
parties without a chance of 'injuring the assailants. The
heights which we occupied are from 90 to 250 paces from
the city wall, with a precipitous glen intervening. On
Making a ladgement on the walls, each column was to
communicate with and support that on its inner flank,
and when united, to make a rush for the fortified hill
within the walls, on, which the artillery was directed to
play from .the mon-tent the advance was sounded. • I
directed Captain Knowles -to ascertain as far as practi-
cable, by the fire of heavy, rockets and shells, whether
it was mined, which alone I apprehended—the Chinese,
usually forming their mines so as to make them liable to
explosion by such means.
28. The flags of truce-still appeared upon the walls
at day-light ontho 27th, and at a quarter past six o'clock
,
I was on the point of sending the interpreter to explain
that I could not respect such a dis la after m flag had
y
been taken down, and should at once resume hostilities.
At this moment, an officer of the royal navy, who-had
been travelling all night, having missed his way, handed
me the accompanying letter from her Majesty's Plenipo-
tentiary. Whatever -rnight be ru,y sentiments, my duty,
was to acquiesce—the .attack, which was to haVe com-
menced in.forty-five minutes, was countermanded, .and
the feelings of the Chinese were spared. Of thepolicy-
of the measure I do not consider myself a competent
judge ; but I say "feelings," as I would have been respon-
sible that Canton should be equally spared, yvith the ex-
ception of its defences, and that not a soldier should'
have entered the town further than the fortified heights
within its walls.
29. At ten o'clock, Yang, the Tartar General, requested
a conference, when Sir Senhouse accom-
panied me, and a long and 'uninteresting parley ensued,
in which I explained that her Majesty's Plenipotentiary
having resumed negotiations with the local author;ties,
I should await a further communication from him. At
twelve, Captain Elliot arrived in camp, and all further
active operations ceased.

30. The following day. at twelve, in a conference with
the Kwang-chow-fbo, under the walls, every arrange-
ment was made for the evacuation of the city by as large
a portion of the Tartar troops as could be got ready, and
I permitted a mandarin of rank to pass through my lines
to procure quarters for them. I was now given to under-
stand that the force amounted to 45,000 men from other
provinces, exclusive of the troops belonging to the Quang-
tung province. At the request of Captain Elliot, I ac-
quiesced in the former passing out of the north-east gate
to the left of my position, and permitted them to carry
away their arms and baggage, on condition that no ban-
ner should be displayed or music sounded.
31. About twelve, the following day, I perceived
numbers of men, apparently irregulars, and armed for
the most part with long spears, . shields, and swords, col-
lecting upon the heights, three or four miles to my rear.
As they continued rapidly to increase, detaching bodies
to their front, I directed General Burrell to take charge
of our position, and hold every man ready in case a
sortie or other act of treachery under cover of a flag of
truce should be intended ; and I advanced with a wing
of the 25th (which corps I had withdrawn two days pre-
viously from the factories), companies of the 49th, the
37th Madras Native Infantry, and the company of
Bengal Volunteers, supported by.the Royal Marines.
The two latter corps I kept in reserve, ready to return,
and act on the flank, should an attack be made on our
position from the town. When I descended the heights,
about 4,000 men appeared in my front. I directed the
wing of the 26th, under Major Pratt, supported by the
37th Madras Native Inflintry, to advance and drive
them from rather a strong position they had taken up
behind an embankment along the bed of a stream.
This duty the 26th and 37th performed most creditably,
and as the Chinese made a rally at what appeared to be
a military post in my front, I directed that it should be
destroyed, which was instantly effected by the 26th, and
a magazine, unexpectedly found in the village, blown
up. These duties having been performed without the
loss of a man, the Chinese throwing away their spears
and flying the moment a fire was opened upon them, I
directed the 49th, Royal Marines, and Bengal Volun-
teers to fall back on our position, and remain with the
wing of the 26th and 37th Madras Native Infantry
(about 280 men) to watch the movements of the Chinese,
who had retreated to a range of heights in my front,
having no banners, and apparently but few matchlocks
amongst them. Within two hours, however, from 7,000
to 8,000 men had collected, and displayed numerous
banners. When I first moved I had ordered Captain
Knowles, of the Royal Artillery, to bring out a few
rockets, but our advance was so rapid that he did not get
them up until after the repulse of the first body.
32.. At this moment the heat of the sun was hardly
supportable, and both officers and men were greatly ex-
hausted. I must here state, with sincere sorrow, that
Major Becher, Deputy-Quarter-Mastei-Genikal, a most
estimable and willing officer, whose services throughout
the previous operations were as creditable to him as they
were satisfactory to me, fall by my side from over-exer-
tion, and expired within a few minutes. My Aide-de-
Xamp, Captain Gough, was also alarmingly unwell from
the same cause, and I ordered him back to camp when
the enemy were repulsed, but hearing that the Chinese
were again assembling, he returned, and meeting the
Bengal Volunteers, very judiciously brought them back.
33. The Chinese having advanced great force,
some rockets were fired at them, but, although
thrown with great precision, appeared to have little
effect ; and, as ' the approach of a thunder storm was
evident, I became anxious, before it broke, to dis-
perse this assemblage, whose approach bespoke
more determination than I had previously witnessed. I
ordered Major Pratt to attack a large body who were
advaclear
ncingh
sr otuog h the
his
front.paddy fie
lds
Bon h
Duff;
ff,iws
iltehftt,haon3d7
ttho
Madras Native Infantry, supported by the Bengal Vo-
lunteers under Captain Mee, I ordered to advance direct
to his front, and dislodge a body which had re-occupied
the post that we had previously burned, and then push
forward and clear the hills to his front. I witnessed
with much satisfaction the spirited manner in which
these officers executed my orders, and the enemy were
driven in at all points. The right of the 37th being
threatened by a military post at the foot of the hills to
our right, the Bengal Volunteers dispersed the occu-
pants. This, however, separated them from the 37th
M. N. 1.. and perceiving that this latter corps was ad-
vancing further than I intended, I requested Captain Om-
maney, of the 3d Madras Light Cavalry, who, with Lieut.
Mackenzie, of H. M. 90th Regiment, accompanied me
as amateurs—and both were most zealous and useful in
conveying my orders—to 'direct the Bengal Volunteers
to move up to its support. Captain Duff meanwhile, to
open his communication with the 26th on his left, had
detached a company under Lieutenant Hadfield for that
purpose..

- 34. The thunder storm was now most awful, and find-
ing that as our men advanced the Chinese retired, I con-
sidered that it would be injudicious to follow them fur-
ther, and directed the whole to fall back. The rain con-
tinued to fall in torrents, and most of the firolocks had
got wet. At one time the 26th had been unable to fire
a single musket ; this emboldened the Chinese, who, in
many instances, attacked our men hand to hand, and the
26th had frequently to charge bodies that advanced close
to them.

35. As the Chinese, even in this mode of warfare, could
make no impression, they retreated, and the 26th and 37th
Madras Native Infantry and Bengal Volunteers fell back.
Understanding from Captain Duff that his detached
company was with the 26th, I directed the whole, after a
short halt, to return to our position, and was exceed-
ingly annoyed, on the force concentrating, to find that
the detached company, under Lieutenant Hadfield, had
never joined the 26th. I immediately ordered two com-
panies of Marines with the percussion locks to return
with Captain Duff to the scene of this day's- contest.
It gives me no ordinary gratification to say that a little
atter dusk they found Lieut. Hadfield with his gallant
company in square, surrounded by sotne thousand Chi-
nese, who, as the 37th firelocks would not go off, had ap-
proached close to them. The Sepoys, I am pliind to
say, in this critical situation, nobly upheld the'hig'cha-
racter of the native army, by unshriuking disCiplin'e'and
cheerful obedience, and I feel that the expression 'of thy
best thanks is due to Lieut. Hadfield and to Lieut. Deve-
reux, and Ensign Berkely, who zealously supported him
great lots;
tmyself
called
during this trying scene. The last-named officer, I re-
gret to say, was severely woutided. The
.4in9s.rwitb
Caphin Duff fired a couple' of into 'this crowd,
wh3i6. ch
Atin daylightstantlydispoeiresnedextthmel_no.rlnviintgh
upon to send into the city and inform the •liwang-chow-
foo, that if, under existing circumstances, a similar in-
sult was offered, or any demonstration made; indicative
of hostile interruption to the negotiations pending under
a flag of truce for the evacuation of the city, by the
Chinese troops and a ransom for its deliverance, T would
once haul down the white flag and. resume hostilities.
At twelve Captain Elliot joined me, and a communica-
tion' was received that the . Kwang•chow7foo Would
meet us under the walls. Previous to his arrival, vast
numbers of Chinese appeared on the hills4rom which
we had driven them the night before, and which.during
the early part of the morning had been clear. Guns and
ginjalls were fired in all directions, various banners dis-
played, and large parties thrown put in advance. About
7,500 Tartar troops had marched out of the city that
morning, and were still moving, with their arms, but, as
stipulated, without music or banners. I felt some doubt
whether treachery was not contemplated, and I there-
fore made such a;disposition of our troops as to ensure
its defeat. By two o'clock, from 12,000 to 15,000 men,
evidently the same description of force that we had met
the preceeding day, had assembled on the same heights.
37. The Kwang-chow-foo now arrived, itinter.
• evident, as he was perfectly in my power, that no'conibi-
the 3; tlt
nation existed between the troops in the town, or those
marching out, and the assemblage in my rear.
fore, ordered the wing of the 26th, the other wingli4Cl
been left at Tsing-hae, to keep. up the • commenicatiOn
with the rear, and a wing of the 49th, with
dras Native Infantry, and the Royal Marines, to be pre-
pared to disperse the assailants. On jetning the liwane•-
chow-foo, -and explaining my determination to put my
threat in force if the enemy advanced, he assured nie that
this hostile movement was without the knowledge, and
against the wishes, of the Chinese authorities; that there
were no mandarins with this militia in our rear ; that it
had assetuhlectto protect: the villages in the plain • (11:21

' 1 that lie would instantly send off a giandarin of rank (his
own assistant) with orders for its 'immediate dispersion,
if I would depute an officer to accompany him- -
38. Captain Moore, of the 34th Bengal Native In-
fantry, Deputy judge-Advocate-General, volunteered
this hazardous duty That officer had accompanied me
.as one of my personal staff throughout all the opera-
' .tions, and he and Major Wilson, Paymaster to the Ex-
pedition, who kindly volunteered to act in the same Ca-
pacity, had by their zealous service been most useful to
Me in a country where all my orders were to beconveyed
by officers on foot through an intricate line of commu-
nication. Captain Moore was quite successful, as the whole
body instantly retreated and entirely dispersed, as soon
as he and the mandarin had made known to the leadsrs
the object of their coining.
39. Finding that five million of dollars had been paid,
and . that her Majesty's Plenipotentiary was perfectly
satisfied with the security for payment of the remaining
million for the ransom of Canton. that upwards of
.14;500 Tartar troops had marched out of the town ,
under the terms of the treaty, without colours or ban-
ners flying, or music beating, that 3,000 had gone by
Water, and that the remainder were prepared to follow
when carriage was provided, I acceded to the wish of
her Majesty's Plenipotentiary to embark the troops, the
Chinese furnishing me with 800 Coolies to convey my
guns and ammunition. These Coolies being furnished
soon after daylight on the Ist instant, I sent all the guns
and stores to the rear, covered by the 26th Royal Ma-
rines, 37th Madras Native Infantry, and Bengal Volun-
teers, and at twelve o'clock the British flag was lowered
in the four forts, and the troops and brigade of seamen
marched out, and returned to Tsing-hae.
40. By . the excellent arrangements, and under the ac-
tive superintendence of Captain Bourchier, of her Ma-
jesty's ship Blonde, and Captain Maitland, of her Ma-
jesty's ship Wellesley, the whole Were re-embarked by
three o'clock, without leaving a man of the army or
navy or a camp follower behind, and under the tow of
the Nemesis reached their respective transports that
night.
41. I have now, my Lord, detailed, I fear, at too great
length, the occurrences of eight days before Canton. I
might have been very brief, perfect success attending
every operation—but by a mere statement of leading facts
I should not have done justice to the discipline of the
small but gallant band whom it was my good fortune
to command, and whose devotedness was worthy of a
better foe.
42. I have not touched upon the brilliant conduct of'
the royal navy in their attacks and various operations to
the south of the city. as these will be detailed by their
own chief, to whom, as I have said, I cannot too strongly
express my obligations.
43. In a body, where all have done their duty nobly
land zealously, it would be invidious to particularise : I
' will, however, entreat your Lordship's favourable notice
of the commanding officers of brigades and corps from
whom I have received the most able assistance, and to
whom my best thanks are due. To Major-General Burrell,
commanding the Right Brigade, who was zealously sup-
portedbyLieut.-Col.Adams,commandingllthßoyallrish,
and Capt. Ellis, commanding the Marine Battaiion ; to
Capt. Bourchier, of her Majesty's ship Blonde, com-
manding the brigade of seamen, supported most ably by
Capt. Maitland, of her Majesty's ship Wellesley, and
Capt. Barlow, of her Majesty's ship Nimrod ; to Lieut.-
Cot. Morris, commanding the left brigade, whose good
fortune it was first to carry the heights, and place the
colours of the 49th in the first fort taken, gallantly se-
conded by Major Stephens, who commanded the 49th in
the first operation, and Major Blyth, who commanded
that corps during the latter part of the day ; to Captain
Duff, commanding the 37th Madras Native Infantry, and
Capt. Mee, commanding the Bengal Volunteers.

To Major Pratt, commanding her Majesty's 20th regi-
ment. This corps, though not at first much engaged,
from the nature of its position at the factories, proved
on the 30th, by its spirited and steady conduct, which
nothing could exceed, how valuable its services could
have been throughout.
To Captain Knowles, of the Royal Artillery, senior officer
of that arm, my best thanks are due, for his valuable services.
Lieutenant the Hon. R. C. Spenser, with the detachment of
the, Royal Artillery, well supported the high character of that
distinguished corps. The zeal of Captain Anstruthur, com-
manding the Madras Artillery, was indefatigable, as were the
efforts of every individual of that valuable body in bringing up
the guns and ammunition.

To Captain Cotton, field engineer, I feel under the greatest
obligations, and I experienced the most ready support from
every officer under him. Of one of them, Lieut. ttundall, I
regret to say that I shall probably lose the services for some
time, in consequence of a severe wound. The useful labours
of the Sappers called for my best thanks, they were cheerfully
prepared to place ladders for the escalade.

I feel greatly obliged to all the general staff—all ac-
companied me on shore, and to their indefatigable atten-
tion in conveying orders on foot, at times to consider-
able distance, I was much indebted. To Lieut.-Colonel
Mountain, Deputy Adjutant 'General, my best thanks
are due for his unwearied exertions and valuable ser-
vices not only upon the present, but upon every occa-
sion. The exertions of Major Hawkins, Deputy Com-
missary-General, were unceasing, and, by his judicious
arrangements and those of his assistant, the troops were
amply supplied. The excellent arrangements made by
Dr. Grant, and the officiating superintendinz Surgeon,
and medical staff of corps, call also fur my acknowledge-
ment. I beg to bring to your Lordship's particular no-
tice my aide-de-camp, Captain Gough, of the 3d Light
Dragoons, from whom I have upon this, as upon every
occasion, received the most active and unremitting
assistance.

44. Having now conveyed my approval of the conduct
f,f the commanding officers of brigades and corps, and
the heads of departments, permit me to draw your
Lordship's special attention to the praiseworthy conduct
of the sailors and soldiers under my command, which
in my mind does them the highest credit. During the
eight days this force was on shore (and many of the
corps were unavoidably placed in situations where sham-
shu was abundant), but two instances of drunkenness
occurred ; and I deem it but justice here to mention a
strong fact. The soldiers of the 49th findinr, a quantity
of sham-shu in the village they had so gallantly' taken,
without order or previous knowledge of their officers,
brought the jars containing this pernicious liquor, and
broke them in front of their corps, without the occur-
rence of a single case of intoxication.
45. This despatch will be presented by Captain Grat-
tan,! whose conduct I have already mentioned to your
Lordship, and whom I have selected for this duty, alone
on account of his conduct. He is a most intelligent
officer, anu will be able to give your Lordship any fur-
ther information. I have the honour to be, &c.,

H. GOUGH, Major-General,
Commanding Expeditionary Force.
P.S. It is with deep regret that I have to mention the
loss of Lieutenant Fox, of 11. M. S. Nimrod, a most pro-
mising young officer, attached to Captain Barlow's bat-
talion of seamen, who fell at the storm of the western
forts. Mr. Walter Kendall, mate of the same ship, a
very deserving officer, lost his leg, I am sorry to add, at
the same time.

I have the honour to forward a return of the killed and
wounded, and a list of ordnance captured. Of the killed
and wounded on the enemy's side, it is difficult to form a
correct estimate ; but the Kwang-chow-foo acknowledged
to me that of the Tartar troops 500 had been killed,
and 1,500 wounded, on the 25th of May; and I conceive
that the killed and wounded on the Chinese side, upon
the 30th, and in the different attacks made upon my
flanks and line of communication, must have been double
those numbers.

To his Excellency Major-General Sir Hugh Gough,
K.C.H., and Captain Sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse,
K.C.8., &c.

Her Majesty's ship Hyacinth, off Canton,
May 26, 1841, Ten, P.M.
Gentlemen—l hare the honour to acquaint you that I
am in communication with the officers of the Chinese
Government concerning the settlement of difficulties in
this province upon the following conditions:-
1. The Imperial Commissioner, and all the troops other
than those of the province, to quit the city within six
days, and remove to a distance exceeding 60 miles.
2. Six millions of dollars to be paid in one week for the
use of the Crown of England--one million payable be-
fore to-morrow at sunset.

3. British troops to remain in their actual positions
II the whole sum be paid. No additional preparations
on either side ; but all British troops and ships Of war to
return without the Bocca Tigris as soon as the whole be
paid. Wangtong also to be evacuated, but' not to bo re-
armed by the Chinese Government; till all the difficul-
ties are adjusted between the two Governments.
4. The loss occasioned by the burning of the Spanish
brig Bilbaino, and all losses occasioned by the destruc-
tion of the factories, to be paid within ono week.
For the purpose of completing this arrangement, I
Katie to request that you will be pleased. to suspend hos-
tilitieS till noun.

I have the honour to remain, &c.
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.
Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary.
To his Excellency Major-General Sir Hugh Gough,
K.C.8., and Captain Sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse,
Knight, K.C.H., &c., &c., &c.
H. M. S. Hyacinth, off Canton,
_ 27th May, 1841, 3, P.M.
Gentlemen—Herewith I have the honour to transmit
to you an English version of the arrangement this day
concluded with the officers of the Chinese Govern-
ment, and also of the full authority given to the Kwang-
ehow-foo to act for their Excellencies.

I shall take an early opportunity of communicating
with you again upon this subject.
And I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary.
Terms of agreement granted to the officers of the Chi-
nese Government, resident within the City of Canton, on
the 27th of May, 1811.

1. It is required, that the three Imperial Commis-
sioners, and all the troops other than those of the pro-
vince, quit the city within six. days, and proceed to a
distance of upwards of sixty miles.
2. Six millions of dollars to be paid in one week for
the use of the Crown of England, counting from the
27th of May ; one million payable before sunset of the
27th day of May.
3. For the present the British troops to remain in their
actual positions. No additional preparations for hosti-
lities to be made on either side. If the whole sum agreed
upon be not paid within seven days, it shall be increased
to seven. million ; if not wituin fourteen days, to eight
millions ; if not within twenty days, to nine millions.
When the whole shall be paid, all the British forces to
return without the Boeca Tigris ; and Wangtong, and
all fortified places within the river to be restored, but
not to be -re-armed till affairs are settled between the
two nations.
4. Losses occasioned by the plunder of the factories,
and by the destruction of the Spanish brig Bilbaino, in
1839, to be paid within one week.
5. It is required that the. Kwang-chow-foo shall pro-
dace- full powers to conclude~ this arrangement, on the
:General of the Tar-
*
Val cifthe" throe Cenirdisioners, the