The Sun.
London, England, 1841-06-12 00:00:00

LONDON, SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 1841

DESPATCHES FROM CHINA.

(From the London Gazette of last Night.)
ADMIRALTY, JuNis 9, 1841.
Despatches were yesterday received at this office from Comsnodore
Sir J. I. G. Bremer, C. 8., addressed to B. More O'Ferrall, Esq., of
which the following are copies or extracts :

men, landed on the southern battery, and above them in succession
from that and the two others, and at one o'clock the British colours
were flying on the whole chain of these celebrated works.

It now became my pleasing duty to express my admiration of the
manner in which the whole squadron was carried into action.
Captain Sir H. F. Senhouse, and the Hon. R. S. Dundas, in the
Blenheim and Melville, took up their positions in the most gallant
style, and were ably supported by their respective Commanders,
Pritchard and Puget. Sir Le Fleming speaks in high terms of the
conduct of Mr. Warden, commanding the Hon. Company's steamer
Queen. The rocket boats were under Lieutenant Pearse, of the
Blenheim. They were admirably placed and served ; and I beg to
recommend this old and gallant officer to their Lordships' notice.
To Captain Herbert, who had the light division, and to Captains
Scott, Smith, Nias, and Kuper, of the Calliope, Samarang, Druid,
Herald, and Alligator, and Commander Eyres of the Modesto, toge-
ther with their officers and ships' companies, my best thanks ara
due, as also to Commander Belcher, of the Sulphur, and Lieutenant
Kellett, of the Starling, for their gallant and zealous services on all
occasions. From Captain Maitland, of this ship; I have ever re-
ceived the most cordial and valuable rssistance, on every point of
service. Commander Fletcher had the superintendence of the
landing, and I recommend him, and every other officer of this ship,
to their Lordships.

A copy of Major Pratt's report I enclose, and I have the greatest
satisfaction in recording my thanks to that officer, and to Plajor
Johnstone of the 26th, Captains Knowles, Royal Artillery, Duff and
Mee, commanding the detachments cf native troops, and to every
officer, non-commissioned officer, and soldier; Captain Ellis, at the
head of the Royal Marines was, as usual, conspicuous ; indeed, the
animated gallantry displayed by every individual in the whole force,
convinces me that almost any number of men the Chinese can col-
lect, will not be able to stand before them for a moment.
I subjoin a list of casualties and ordnance captured. The main.
topmast and foreyard of the Blenheim were shot through, one
thirty-two pounder rendered unserviceable, several shot in the
hull, and the rigging much cut up. The Melville's mainmast and
mainyard wounded, and rigging considerably injured. The Cal.
Hope was struck in several places, and the other ships had merely a
few ropes cut.

The loss of the enemy was severe, but not so heavy as at Chuen.
pee, 1,300 having, as before stated, Thrown away their arms. I
should estimate their killed and drowned at two hundred and fifty
in Wangtong, probably as many at Anunghoy, at which place the
Admiral Kwang, and several other mandarins of rank, fell. The
body of the Admiral was recognised by his family, and taken away
yesterday, under a fire of minute guns from the Blenheim.
North Wangtong being the key to this position, I shall place a
garrison in it ; the batteries on either side of the river are in course
of destruction, in order that our communications with Hong. Kong
may be uninterrupted. Tiger Island is abandoned, the guns were
withdrawn to strengthen these defences. I shall also destroy this
fort, and send forward the light division to Whampoa immediately.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) J. J. GORDON BREMER,
Commodore First Class, and Commander inChief.
11. More O'Ferrall, Esq., M.P. &c. &c., Admiralty.

Bocca Tigris, Feb. 27, 1841.

Sir—lt having been determined to attack the forts a'. the Bocce
Tigris on the 26th instant, and the part allotted to the troops under
my orders being to land on the island of North Wantong, on the
evening previous, two eight.inch howitzers, and atocket tube, were
placed on South Wantong, with a covering party of Royal Marines,
and 37th Madras Native Infantry. A breastwork was thrown up
during the n;ght, and the guns placed, the Chinese keeping iip a
noisy bnt ineffectual tire during this operation, nearly the whole
night. At day-light these guns opened their fire, and threw in
shells and rockets into the forts and field-works on North Wang_
tong, with the greatest effect, setting fire to some of the houses. The
Chinese returned the fire with spirit for some time from a battery
of eighteen guns opposite, but slackened the fire, and latterly ceased
firing.

About eight o'clock the troops were embarked in boats, ready to
laud, when the batteries I.t the south-west end of the island had
been dealt with by her Majesty's ships. At twelve o'clock, on the
ships giving their fire, the enemy were seen flying across the island
and the large fort at the south-east end, the signal was made for
the troops to land, which they did just in the rear of the
south-west fort. The nature of tho ground rendered much re-
gularity o' formation impossible ; the troops moved on as they
landed, accom;wli. d by the seamen with the scaling laders, drove
the Chinese, who made scarcely any resistance, from the field bat-
teries, which from this point were all taken in the reverse, and en.
tering the gate along with the flying enemies, in a few minutes the
British flag was hoisted on the north. east fort, whieh, with the two
forts on the Anunghoy side, commands the river, and we soon had
the proud satisfaction of seeing that these forts had yielded to the
ships attacking on that line.
The fort at the north-east end of Wangtong has a formidable
battery of forty heavy guns, above which there is another tier of
fifteen guns, and a large high walled enclosure all around it con.
taming barracks. The fort at the south-west end has a similar
battery, excepting the upper tier and enclosure; the Chinese had
lately nearly encircled the island with field works, mounting sixty-
three guns, besides jingalls, and in the centre is a circular tower
with a few guns ; in alt we found on the island one hundred and
sixty-seven guns. I am very happy to say, this service was per-
formed without a single casualty on our side, the enemy suffered
more severely, they had about two thousand, of these we took thir-
teen hundred prisoners, including the wounded, the remainder were
killed or drowned in attempting to escape ; a few were observed
escaping in boats in the morning.
The detail of the troops employed is annexed and it is now my
duty to bring to your notice the praise-worthy conduct of the whole
force and especially to mention Major Johnstone, 26th Regiment,
commanding the column directed to escalade; Captain Ellis, R.M.,
in command of column directed to force the gate ; Captain Duff,
commanding the 37th Native Infantry; and Captain Ince the two
companies of Bengal Volunteers. I must earnestly point out the
services rendered by Captain Knowles, Royal Artillery, having
under him Lieutenants Hon. C. Spenser, R. A., and Cadell, Mad.
ras Artillery, in charge of howitzers on South Wangtong ; Lieute-
nant Burdwond, Madras Engineers, who superintended the ere,-
Lions of the breastwork, whilst Lieutenants Rundell and Jackson,
Madras Engineers, accompanied me to lead the respective columns
of attack. As before, I received essential services from Lieu.
tenant Stransham, R.M., acting as Brigade-Major, and from Lieu-
tenant Stewart M`Kenzie, 90th Light Infantry, your Military
Secretary, who acted as my Aide-de-Camp. I take the liberty of
naming to you the admirable style in which Commander Fletcher,
her Majesty's ship Wellesley, headed the seamen bearing the lad.
ders, and arranged the landing. I inclose a list of the ordnance
captured at the various points of attack by the fleet and troops un-
der your orders, showing a total of three hundred and thirty-nine
guns.--I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) E. L. PRATT,
Major, 26th Carneroniaqs, Commanding the Force.
His Excellency Commodore Sir J. J. Bremer.

K. C. 8., K. C.H., Commander-in Chief, &c,

Detail of the Troops employed, on the 26th February, at the Cap_
tore of tie Island of North Wangtong, Bocca Tigris.
Royal Artillery.-1 captain, 1 subaltern, 1 scrjeant, 33 rank
and file.
Madras Artillery.-1 subaltern, 9 rank and file.
18th, Royal Irish.-2 subalterns.
Detachment 26th and 40th Regts.-2 flag officers, 2 subalterns, 6
serjeants, 91 rank and file.
Royal Marines.-1 captain, 7 subalterns, 13 serjeants, 8 drummers,
224 rank and file.
37th Madras N. I. —4 captains, 8 subalterns, 8 native officers, 25
havildars, 8 drummers, 427 rank and file, natives.
Bengal Volunteers.-2 captains, 3 native officers, 10 havildars, 151
rank and file, natives.
Total. —2 field officers, 8 captains, 21 subalterns, 11 native
officers, 44 serjeants and havildars, 16 drummers, 935 rank
and file, Europeans and natives.
General Total.--1,037.
Return of Casualties in the Force at the Taking of the Forts at
the Bocca Tigris, on the 26th of February, 1841.
Calliope.—Licut. E. C. T. D'Eyncourt, slightly wounded, 2 see
men slightly wounded.
serjeant-major, 1 seaman, slightly wounded.
Total wounded, 5.
Return Ordnance mounted on the Anunghoy Forts when cap.
tured on the 26. h February, 1841.
South Anunghoy Fort.
Brass Guns.
2 10'75 inch, 11 feet, 3 inches long; 2 8'75 inch, 10 feet 2 inches
long.—Portuguese date, 1627.
Iron Guns.
I sixty pounder, 1 forty-two pounder, 14 thirty-two pounders, 17
twenty-four pounders, 11 eighteen-pounders, 22 twelve-pounders,
27 nine.pounders, 4 six-pounders, 1 four-pounder.
Total-98.
A number of the guns iii the circular battery were very large,
with great thickness of metal throughout. All the guns were of
Chinese manufacture, except three English and one Portuguese.
North Anunghoy Fort.
8 forty-two pounders, 5 thirty-two pounders, 3 twenty-four
pounders, 2 eighteen pounders, 4 twelve pounders, 18 nine
pounders.
Total.-40.
All the guns were of Chinese manufacture, and most of them,
except the twelve and nine pounders, were very large, with great
thickness of metal.
sand Bag Battery, at the East Side of South Anunghoy Fort.
4 nine pounders, 4 six pounders, 7 four pounders.
Total.-15.
All the guns were of Chinese manufacture.
Sand Bag Battery, N. E. of South Anunghoy Fort.
1 twelve pounder, 6 nine pounders, 1 six pounder, 2 three
pounders, 3 four pounders, 2 less than threepounders.
Total.-15.
All the guns of Chinese manufacture, except one English.
Return of Ordnance on the Island of Wangtong, when captured
on the 26th February, 1841.
Iron Guns.
1 sixty..eight pounder, 1 forty-two pounder, 18 from twenty-four
to thirty-two pounders (including both calibres), 11 from
eighteen to twenty-four pounders (the former calibre in.
eluded), 16 from twelve to eighteen pounders (ditto), 24 from
nine to 12 pounders (ditto), 35 from six to nine pounders
(ditto), 52 from three to six pounders (ditto), 6 less than three
pounders, 3 destroyed by shot.
Total.-167.
Twelve of these were very large guns, with great thickness of
metal throughout, with Chinese characters inscribed on the chase.
General Abstract.
South Anunghoy Fort.-102 guns.
North Anunghoy Fort.-40 guns.
Sand Bag Battery, East Side of South Anunghoy Fort.-15 guns.
Sand Bag Battery, North East Side of South Anunghoy Battery.-
15 guns.
Island of Wangtong.-167 guns.
Total,-339 guns.
(Signed) J. KNOWLES, Captain,
Royal Artillery.
Commodore Sir J. J. Gordon Bremer, Knt.
C.B. Commander.in.Chief, &c.

Wellesley, Wantoug, Feb. 28, 1841.
wasoy gratified by
of which I
this c
Sir,—Be pleased to acquaint their Lordships, that at daylight on
the morning of the 27th the advanced squadron, consisting of ships
named in the margin,* proceeded up the river, under the command
or
receiving
ce Captaini,inga
repo Herbert,
that
fromof the Calliope,
Gallant and
Officer,
enclose.
His letter details his proceedings in so clear and unassuming a
manner, that it is utineceisary for me to occupy their Lordships'
time by repetition. I cannot, however, refrain from the eaves.
sion of my admiration of the gallantry displayed, and of my cor.
at day a
Icopy
dial thanks to Captain Herbert, the Captains Nias and Kuper,
Commanders Belcher and Eyres, and to the Commanders of the
Nemesis and Madagascar steamers, together with every °dicer and
man engaged in this well executed attack.—l have, &c.,
(Signed) J. J. GORDON BREMER.
• Commodore of the First Class, Commander.in.Chief.
R. M. O'Ferrall, Esq., M.P.

Her Majesty's ship Calliope, above the first bar, and below Wham.

poa, Feb. 27, 1841.
Sir,—The division named in the margin,t that you did me the
honour to place under my command, advanced up the river this
morning, passing Tiger Island, the second bar, and reaching near

"'Calliope, Herald, Alligator, Sulphur, Modeste, and Madagascar
and Nemesis steamers,
t Calliope, Herald, Alligator, Sulphur, Modeste, and Mada-
ascar, and Nemesis steamers.

the first bar by noon, piloted by Captain Elliot, her Majesty's Pleni-
potentiary, whose perfect knowledge of the shoals enabled us to
effect the passage without difficulty. From this position we ob.
served the enemy strongly fortified on the left bank of the river,
close to Whampoa react], with upwards of forty war junks ; and the
Cambridge, formerly an East Indiaman, of nine hundred tons, with
an Admiral's flag at the main. On approaching within three mites
I proceeded with the steamers, his Excellency, and Com-
mander P.elcher, to reconnoitre, and find out a clear pas.
sage (a number of vessels , having beets sunk) ; on ad.
vancing, a heavy fire was opened on the steamers, which
was immediately reiurned wiih great effect. Having satisfied my-
self that the enemy could be dislo,:ged, I hastened up the ahips,
the Sulphur leading, the whole taking up such an admirable posi-
tion that the enemy's batteries, protecting their strongly entrenched
camp, and the guns of their fleet, were in an hour nearly silenced,
when I landed with the seamen and marines under the officers
named in the margin,. and stormed the works, driving before us
npwards of two thousand of their best troops and killing nearly
three hundred. In about half an hour after landing all the de.
fences were carried (though in several places brave and obstinate
resistance was made by some of the troops composing the Gover-
nor's Guard); mounting on the river front forty-seven guns; in the
left flank, three; a field-work four. The Cambridge with thirty.
four, besides ten unmounted in a junk, making together ninety-
eight guns. While the entrenchments were storming Lieutenant
Watson, assisted by the officers enumerated in the margin,t gal-
lantly boarded the Admiral's ship, whose flag, hauled down by Mr.
St. Leger, mate of the Calliope, I haze the honour to send you.
The war junks escaped up the river, while we were prevented
from pursuing by a strong raft placed across the passage. The
guns of the fleet, and other munitions, have been destroyed, and
the Cambridge set on fire, whose explosion must have been heard
at Canton.

It affords me much satisfaction in having to speak of the excel.
lent and efficient practice of the Nemesis and Madagascar, and the
full effect given to the affair generally, on our combined efforts
being brought to bear on the opposing force.
To Captains Nias and Kuper, and Commander Eyres, I am much
indebted for the able support they afforded me, and Commander
Belcher, though suffering from indisposition, has rendered me
essential service in bringing the ships in, as did Mr- Richard
Browne, master of the Calliope. Captain Belcher also at tended me
when on shore; Captains Kuper and Eyres joined the moment
they could leave their ships, rendering great assistance in superin.
tending the destruction of the materials. To Lieutenant Bird.
wood of the Madras Engineers, who joined me while reconnoitering,
I am much indebted for his zeal and suggestions, and also to Lieu-
tenant Foulis, of the Madras Artillery. attached to the Madagascar,
for the able and effective manner in which he directed the guns of
that vessel. To Lieutenant Stransham, Royal Marines of the
Calliope, I have to acknowledge my sense of his services in ar.
ranging and directing the marines of the squadron on landing, and
for his endeavours to repress the destruction of life atter resistance
had ceased. He speaks in high terms of the support he received
from Lieutenant C. C. Hewett, R.M., of the Herald, and Lien-
tenant Hayes Marriot, R.M., of the Alligator. Reports from the
respective captains have been made of the gallant and steady con-
duct of the officers, seamen, and Royal Marines under their com-
mand ; and I am proud of the opportunity of again bearing the like
testimony of the Calliope's.
To his Excellency, her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, who accom-
panied me through the whole affair, my grateful acknowledge-
ments are due.

Our casualties, considering the force opposed to us, I am happy
to say are small ; and, in enclosing you the particulars, with a
sketch of the enemy's position, I have, &e.
(Signed) THOMAS HERBERT, Captain.

P.S. Lieutenant D'Eyncourt will deliver this, with the Ad.
miral's flag, and give you such further information that you may
require.

Officers who landed at the Storming of the Works.

Calliope:lieutenant J. S. Tindal; Messrs. Daly and Egerton
Mates.
Herald.—Lieutenants G. B. Dewes (Acting) and J. Strettell.
Alligator.—Lieutenant P. B. Stewart; and Messrs. Woolcombe
and Baker, Mates.
Sulphur.—Lieutenants Aloneypenny and Wood ; William Rich.

ardson, Mate,
Modeste.—Messrs. E. Fitzgerald and W. A. R. Pearce, Mates
H. R. Crofton, Midshipman.
Late Columbine —Lieutenant Carpenter.
Madagascar, S. V.—Mr. N. W. Oliver, Ist Officer ; Mr. G. for-

mer, Sd Officer.
Nemesis, S. V.—Mr. W. H. Hall, RN , Commander; Lieutenant
W. P. Pcdder, R. N., Ist Officer; Mr. E. L. Strangsvays,
R.N., Sd Officer ; Mr. J. Gabraith, 3d Officer ; Mr. White._ _

hurst, 4th Officer; Mr. J. Turner, Surgeon ; Mr. J. Garnet,

Purser.
Officers who boarded the Cambridge under Lieutenant Watson,
_ . . .

and afterwards landed.

Calliope.—Mr. Richard Browne, Master ; Mr. J. A. St. Leger,
Mate; Mr. George Robinson, Boatswain.
Modeste.—Mr. NV. A. R. Pearse, Mate.
Nemesis. S. V.—Mr. W. H. Hall, R.N., Commander.
Memorandum.

Length of the force of battery in the river bank mounting forty
guns, two hundred and eighty yards with a bank of twenty.four
yards in length, mounting three guns I length of the unfinished
line of entrenchments, connecting the battery and the river bank
and lower battery, three hundred yards.
The river face of lower battery, eighty-five yards long, with three
embrasures, but no guns mounted in them; lett flank, thirty yards
long, with four embrasures, and mounting four guns.
Return of Casualties on Board the Squadron in the attack upon
the Fort, Camp, and Ship Cambridge, at the Chinese Position
below Whampoa Reach, 2.7 th February, 1641.
Calliope.-3 seamen wounded, one dangerously.
Modeste.-1 seaman killed ; 1 seaman dangerously wounded ; 1
marine severely wounded.
Sulphur-1 marine slightly wounded.
Nemesis-2 seamen slightly wounded.
Total.-1 seamed killed, 6 seaman wounded, 2 marines wounded.
(Signed) THOMAS HERBERT, Captain.

(No. 17.)

Wellesley, Wangtong, 10th March, 1841.

Sir,—Having completed the garrison arrangements on North
Wangtong, and the destruction of the works of Anunglioy being in
progress, I proceeded up the river to join the advanced squadron
on the Ist instant in the Madagascar steamer, taking the Sr,phia
transport in tow, Captain Maitland, with the boats, and one hun-
dred small arm men, together with the marines of the Wellesley,
under Captain Ellis, accompanied me ; the Queen taking- the
Eagle transport in tow, on board which ship I had embarked the
marines of the Blenheim, Melville, and Druid, also attended by the
boats of those ships, all being armed with their guns and howitzers.
On arriving at Whampoa I found, from Captain Herbert's re-
port, that the enemy were in considerable force at the end of Junk
Beach, having, as usual, sunk several large junks in the river, and
further protected themselves by a strong double line of stakes across
it, and a raft with large bamboos, and branches of trees Let ween
them. On the following morning I detached that ever-ready officer,
Commander Belcher, in the Sulphur, up Junk Liver to recon-
noitre, that ship being taken iu tow by three of the Wellesley's
boats, under command of Lieutenant Symonds, senior of the latter
ship. On rounding the point on the right bank they came in
front of a battery of twenty-five guns, masked by thick branches of
trees, which opened a heavy fire on them : without a moment's he-
sitation Lieutenant Symonds cut the tow line, and gallantly dashed
right into the battery, driving the enemy before him, and killing,
several of their number. The Sulphur anchored, and some shot
from her completely routed them from the thick underwood in the
vicinity in which they had taken shelter : the guns were destroyed,
and the magazine and other consumable material set on on fire.
The number of troops was probably two hundred and fifty, and
they were of the chosen Tartars ; their loss was about fifteen or
twenty killed. This well-executed service calls on me strongly to
recommend Lientenant'Symonds to their Lordships' notice ; our loss
is one seaman of th 3 Welledey mortally wounded (since dead), and
the boats were frequently struck by grape shot.

As soon as as a cursory survey of the river was made, the
Herald, Alligator, and Modesto, and the Eagle and Sophia trans.
ports were pushed forward within gunshot of Howqua's Fort, and
thus for the first time were ships seen from the wars of Canton.
On the 2d Cruizer joined me, having on board Major-General Sir
Hugh Gough, to whom I resigned the command of the land forces;
the Pylades and the Conway also joined from Chusan, and the two
first named vessels were sent in advance ; several of the transports
were also collected. On the 4th, in concert with the Major-Ge-
neral, an attack was planned for the next morning, but
on approaching, the fort was found to be abandoned. The
British colours were hoisted, and a garrison of the
26th regiment placed in it. Captain Ellis, with a company •f
Royal Marines, took possession of a large joss !inure on the left
bank (which the enemy had begun to fortify), and rendered him-
self secure, while the seamen soon removed some of the stakes awl
other impediments, and made a clear passage for ships. I may here
describe the position : at the right bank of the river, on the point
formed by the mouth of a creek (which is one passage for boats to
Whampos), was Howqua's Fort, a square building mounting thirty
guns. From the northern angle the stakes mentioned extended to
the opposite bank the ground on both sides being low rice fields cut
and intersected by canals in all directions ; the joss.house rather
projected into the stream, and consequently was a good position.
The river here is about five hundred yards wide; two thousand
yards in front is a long low island, which divides the river into two
branelws, and on the extreme eastern point of which stood a fort
mountalg thirty-five guns, built to commemorote the discomfiture
and death of the late Lord Napier : from this fort a Inc of well.
constructed and second rafts, forming a bridge, extended to both
sides of the river ; on its right bank, flanking Napier's Fort and
the rafts, was a mud battery intended for thirty.five guns ; on the
left was a battery, also flanking Napier's Fort, on which the
enemy had forty-four guns, most of which they withdrew on the
night of the 4th. In addition to these defences, some junks were
sunk in all parts of the river between the stakes anti the raft off
Napier's Fria, which raft also rested upon sunken junks secured
on either side within piles.

The position seemed formidable, and on the sth the Major-Ge-
neral and myself prepared to attack it. He landed at the Joss-
house, taking with him the Royal Marines and 26th detachment
for the .purpose of taking the battery on the left bank, and the
ships weighed and dropped up with the flood-tide. On the approach
of the Sulphur, which vessel led, the enemy fired all their guns and
fled across the rafts and in boats; the British colours were then
hoisted, and the last defence of the Chinese (that we arc acquainted
with between Canton and sea), fell into our hands. A paper was
issued calling on the people to place confidence in us and avoid hos-
tile movements, in which latter case protection was secured to them,
At noon the Quang.choo-foe, or Prefect, accompanied by the
Hong merchants, came down, and, after a long discussion with
the Plenipotentiary, admitted that Keshen having been degraded,
and the new appointed Commissioners not having arrived, there was
no Government authorized to treat for peace or make any arrange-
ments ; they confessed the truth of the reports we had heard, that
the greatest consternation existed in the city, and that every person
who could quit it had done so ; in fact, that it was at our mercy,
and it hiss So remained, a monument of British magnanimity and
forbearance. I fear, however. that the forbearance is misunder-
stood, and that a further punishment must be resorted to before
this arrogant and perfidious Government is brought to reason, or
to a faithful mode of conduct. llis Excellency the Plenipotentiary,
being.lhowever, desirous to try the effect of another proclamation, and
to show his desire for an equitable adjustment of affairs, addressed the
I Major-General and myself, requesting that *e would make no fur.
ther movement towards the city until the disposition of the pro-
vincial officers was put to the test as far as regards their non-inter-
ference, and we have consequently remained in slate quo; but
reports, on which we can rely, are daily reaching us. which state
that fire-vessels are fitting out about seven miles above Cantors ;
forts in the rear of the city in course of erection ; and the people
are forbidden to bring us supplies, while the teas and silks, and
every other valuable, are removing from it. 'These proceedings,
so directly opposite to the assurances of pacific intentions (which
they are ever ready to deal forth in profusion), load me to the con-
clusion, that we shall have to proceed, even at the risk of the de-
struction of the second city of the empire, an event exceedingly
likely to occur from its abandonment by the authorities, and the
excesses of the lower classes of a community proverbially bad.
The responsibility must, however, rest on the heads of those mitts°.
ritie°.
The whole of the force from Chusan has juinNl me, and I this
day returned to Wangtong, accompanied by the Major-General, in

'" Vidc list.
Vide subjoined list,

PRICE sd

order that the arrangements In that gall ison may be completed, and
plans devised fur our future operations.

I have the honour, &a.

. -
(Signed) J. J. GORDON BREMER,
Commodore First Class, and !..7onnander-in-Chief.
R. More O'Ferrall, Esq., M,P., kc. kc. Admiralty.

Copy.—(No. 19.)

Wellesley, off Wangtong, March 15, 1841.
Sir.-1 hare again the satisfaction of enclosing the copy of a
letter from Captain Herbert, of the Calliope, detailing another
well .executed attack on the only remaining fort protecting the ap-
proaches to the city of Cantou.

This fort is I ituate about ten miles from the anchorage at Wham..
post, up a narrow and intricate channel, which ends in the broadway
or Macao passage from Canton.
The enemy were devoting their whole attention to the strength.
ening the defences of this post, and had rendered it one of the best
which have been encountered. I am, therefore, happy, that it is in
our possession. Captain Herbert has thrown a sufficient garrison
into it, protected also by a division of the flotilla, and the Modeste,
and it is in our hands an important position. The city is conse.
fluently menaced above and below, and is completely at our mercy,
but nothing seems to affect the minds of the arrogant Mandarins,
who sti'l talk of exterminating us, while their people fly betore us ;
they are undoubtedly preparing fire vessels up the river, of which
I hope to give a good account in a few days. Captain Herbert has
been ably supported by Captains Bethune and Kuper, Commanders
Barlow, Eyres, Giffard, Anson, Clarke, and Belcher, together with
their officers and ships' companies. My best thanks are due to them
for the gallantry and perseverance with which they conquer the
difficulties and harass of river and flotilla service.

I have the honour, &c.
(Signed) J. J. GORDON BREMER,
'Commodore First Class, and Commander-in-Chief
R. More O'Ferrall, Esq.. M.P., &c. &c- &c. Admiralty.