The Sun.
London, England, 1860-10-17 00:00:00

71-LE BarTi!SH EXPEDITION TO CEINA

4Prom the special Correspondent of the Times.)

PEH-TANG, AUG. 9.

From a wilderness of mud and water, destitute of
tree, plant, shrub, or grass, amid stinks and stenches
which would defy a Simon and drive a Letheby to
despair, 'midst a. scene of utter misery and desola-
tion excee, .ing the Laureate's picture of the dejected
Mariana at the moated grange, from Peh-tang,
whither o'ur Ambassador has so often been admo-
nished to proce ed, is this letter written. The army
is disembarked in China Proper—proper in no Eng-
lish sense of the word—and I will endeavour to
-describe how we got into Peh-tang, and how we
expect to get out of it—what has been done during
the past fovtnight, and what is now proposed.
After despatching my last letter from Tah-lien-
bwan, and after the troops were fairly embarked, I
walked over the ground lately occupied by the first
division. The villagers had returned to their houses,
and even the women reappeared, unscared by the
three unarmed barbarians who were roaming about.
As soon as the troops were off, Gen. Hope Grant
summoned the notables of the villages, and re-
quested them to assess the damage done to their
crops and property by the five regiments which had
been encamped for a month. After full considera-
tion they seut in a claim for 180 dols.—less than
£4O English. This modest bill is the best evidence
that could possibly be afforded as to the admirable
conduct of the soldiers. On the 26th, at 5 a.m., the
Beet began to weigh anchor. It v. as a magnificent
sight, as one large transport after another got under
way; those in Odin Bay working out under a press
of sail, those in Victoria Bay being towed outside
the headland by gunboats and steamers. The
breeze. was light and variable ; every class and va-
riety of ship and steamer was represented, from the
four masted Adelaide, towing two transports, to the
small iron river boats brought upfront Canton. The
Chesapeake bad her steam up, but Captain Willis
was determined to show the sailing qualities of his
fine frigate, so he worked across the bay and then
sailed out with every stitch of canvas set low and
aloft. By 10 o'clock the whole fleet was clear of the
headland, when the wind dropped and fell to a dead
calm. The Chesapeake furled sail and, followed by
the Feroze, with Lord Elgin on board, and the
Scout, Furious, and Fury on her quarters, steamed
with all speed for the rendezvous. Towards the
afternoon heavy smoke was visible to the south-
ward, indicating the position of the French fleet,
and the weather became oppressively hot, a fore-
taste of that to be experienced after landing.
At 11 a.m. on the 27th the Chesapeake dropped
anchor at the rendezvous, about 20 miles from the
Peiho. Here were the Cruiser, Actaeon, Dove,
Janus, Woodcock, and Watchful. The Granada,
with Sir Hope Grant and Staff, arrived soon after-
wards. Towards the north an American frigate
with her tender, and a Russian frigate, corvette,
and two gunboats were waiting events, and lay
anchored outside the bar opposite the Peiho.
During the afternoon steamers came dropping in,
both paddle and screw—" outside walkee and in-
side walkee," as the Chinese call them. About
five p.m. a long line of smoke down the horizon
announced the approach of the French, who
anchored at nightfall about ten miles from the
English squadron. Major Fisher, R.E., awaited
the arrival of the fleet at the rendezvous. He went
down to the Peiho and to Peh-tang a few days in
advance of the expedition, and made a careful re-
connaissance of both places. At the Taku forts the
defences were strengthened exactly at the spot
attacked by the gunboats last year, and an abatis
was thrown out. At Peh-tang nothing whatever
had been done ; the river was unstaked, and the
forts opened from behind. About 2,000 yards from
the south fort Major Fisher discovered a place
where troops could land through the mud, and it
was therefore determined that the army should dis-
embark at that spot.
At eight a.m. on the morning of the 28th the
French fleet weighed anchor and bore down in line
in three divisions. The Duchayla, with Baron
Gros's flag at the main, led the van, Admirals
Charner, Page, and Protet following at the
head of their respective divisions. The large two-
deckers and iron transports brought up the rear,
and the fleet was well and quickly anchored
two cables' length from the English, the
Admirals' ships being close alongside. Towards
afternoon a strong breeze from the south-
ward sprang up, which brought in our sailing
transports in one dense mass. On approaching the
Admiral ship after ship came out from the ruck,
passed under the stern of the Chesapeake, and re-
ceived its instructions. No accident whatever
occurred in this large fleet, and not one ship was
moored in a foul berth. Seven men-of-war formed
" pointers," behind which the transports anchored
in as many lines, and nearly all took up the exact
position assigaed to them. The masters of these
vessels deserve great credit for the zeal and energy
they have displayed on all occasions, and the Ame-
ricans engaged in the transport service have been
fully equal to the Britishers in their anxiety that
all should go well.
The morning of the 29th was frightfully hot and
sultry, but about noon a breeze sprang up, which
lowered the thermometer eight or ten degrees
within half an hour. It is this sudden change of
climate which makes the greater part of China so
unhealthy, and most fortunate wasit that Tah-lien-
h. wan was discovered, with its clear, dry atmosphere
and fine bracing air. In the afternoon Consul
Parkes arrived from Canton to assist Lord Elgin in
the work lie has before him. As Lord Elgin's
duties cannot commence until the naval and mili-
tary operations are concluded, Mr. Parkes, with
the ambaseador's consent, tendered his services to
Sir Hope Grant, who most gladly accepted the
offer, and Mr. Parkes accompanies the expedition.
Day was just breaking on the 30th when the
fleet again got under way, the Chesapeake, Magi-
eienne, Feroze, Scout, and Granada at the head. At
eight a.m. they anchored in five fathoms water, the
Taku forts being just visible in the distance. The
English ships came down rapidly in loose order,
until at length the flotilla of despatch gunboats and
gunboats hove in sight, towing one or two Com-
missariat junks each. They defiled in regular suc-
cession before the flagship, the Roebuck leading,
the Slaney bringing up the rear, and Admiral Hope
at length found himself in sight of Taku, ready to '
avenge the glorious disaster he suffered last year.
All Preparations having been made, it was deter-
mined to attack the Peh-tang forts on the 31st.
Orders were a
eeordingly given for disembarking the
troops in ships' boats an;
early at ansearly hour of that morn-
ing. The evening of the 30th was dark and threat-
ening, and a lurid
unsettled sunset betokened a
stormy night. About 9 p.m. a whirlwind passed
along the fleet. The sterra was circular, and played
along the water for some time before striking a ship;
then came a terrific squall which lasted about a
minute, and caused the largest vessels to heel over
like skiffs. The Feroze Was
hit with its full force,
while a boat under sail within
20 fathoms of her
°seeped untouched. Clouds of sand accompanied
this tornado and were whirled about the ships in
every direction. As the fleet lay fully 12 miles from
Pehtang it was necessary in the disembarkation to
use all the ships' launches, and have them towed by
the gunboats. Early on the morning of the 31st the
Admiral sent a steamer round the squadron with an
intimation that the landing would not take place in
consequence of the heavy, chopping sea. He felt
there was great risk in towing boat's in such Wea-
ther and for such a distance, and he postponed the
start for a day.
Long before cockcrow en the Ist of August the
whole expedition was afoot. Dark, heavy clouds
were impending, and at daylight the rain corn.
menced falling in torrents. However, the sea had
gone down considerably, and as it was high water
at Pehtang shortly before 3, we felt quite satisfied
that the landing would take place. At 9 a.m. the
welcome signal was made, and all the launches

pulled off for the various transports, to embark the
mien allotted to them. The English force consisted
of the Second Brigade of the First Division—the
2d (Queen's), the 60th (Rifles), and the 15th Pun.
j abees--in all 2,500 men, besides a party of Artil-
lery with rockets, and a company of Royal Engi-
neers. The French had an equal number of the
101st, the 102 d, and Chasseurs, in addition to some
rifird guns, and the cavalry escort of General MQ4-

tauban, mounted on their Japanese ponies. Every-
thing was ready before noon, when Admiral Hope
and Sir Hope Grant went on board the Coromandel.
She steamed away at once, and headed the squa-
dron, the gunboats following in regular and un-
broken line. To each gunboat were attached six
launches full of troops, and the decks of most of
the little vessels themselves were crowded with
soldiers. The Slaney was the first in the wake
of the Admiral. Then followed the Leven,
Janus, Clown, Woodcock, Drake,Watchful, Havock,
Forester, Opossum, Firm, Stanch, Banterer, Bustard,
Flamer, Bouncer, and Snap. The Leven carried
the military Staff; on another gunboat Admiral
Jones hoisted his flag, and whipped in the flotilla.
Crossing the bar, they were joined by the Renard,
Beagle, and Ringdove despatch boats. The French
were on the starboard quarter, with five large des-
patch gunboats and several steamers towing junks
and boats, closely packed with troops, and one of
the little iron gunboats I saw
.at Chefow arrived
just in time to join the expedite'. The weather
had now cleared up, and the sea was calm. The
Taku forts lay within three miles on the port quarter,
looking sullen and threatening, but giving no other
sign of life than a Tartar flag which waved fromthe
largest battery. In our rear were the combined fleets
of England and France, while far a-head the blue
flag of Admiral Hope streamed from the Coromandel
as she led up to Peh-tang. Soon after 2 o'clock the
gunboats anchored about 2,000 yards from the forts.
All the embrasures were masked, and no troops
visible. These forts are about three miles from the
mouth of the river, the passage of which they com-
mand, the town standing immediately in their rear.
On a causeway running towards Taku a picket of
Tartar cavalry was visible, but no communication
whatever was made from their commander. Some
of the inhabitants were also seen hurrying along the
causeway from the town, including two men of rank
in sedan chairs, protected by a mounted escort. At
3 p.m. the Generals determined on landing 400 men,
half English half French, and making a reconnais-
sance towards this road. The 2d (Queen's) supplied
the English portion of the advanced party, and the
boats at once pulled off to the mudbank. They were
very soon aground, and the men jumped out up to
their middles in mud and water. On reaching the
shore a flat of soft, sticky, slippery mud extended
around on every side. Through this we waded,
sinking ankle deep at each step. For fully three
quarters of a mile did we flounder and struggle be-
fore reaching a hard of similar mud, evidently co-
vered by the sea during very high-fides. Nearly
every man was disembarrassed of his lower in-
teguments, and one gallant brigadier led en his men
with no other garment than his shirt. Immediately
after the reconnoitring party had effected a land-
ing, the Tartars retreated along the causeway, and
the order was given to disembark the rest of tie
force at once. This was effected without accident
by 5 o'clock, not a single shot having been fired by
the enemy.
Never did more hopeless prospect greet an army.
Mud and water everywhere, and " not a drop of
drink." Pools of brackish water were scattered
about here and there, but perfectly undrinkable,
and not a well or spring eould be found. The ground
was dotted with salt hills and groves, affording ex-
cellent cover for riflemen, but there was neither tree
nor building of any sort or description.
It had been arranged between the Commanders-
in-Chief that our troops should take up position on
the right—the side nearest the town—and that the
French should be formed on the left flank of the
Einglish. Immediately on landing, however, a
French colonel, whose zeal outran his discretion,
rushed forward with the Chasseurs and occupied
the causeway close to the gate, on the very spot
which had been allotted to the English forces. Sir
Hope Grant at once halted his troops and spoke to
General Montauban. In the promptest manner,
and without a moment's hesitation, the French
General despatched Col. Schmitz, his chef d'etat
major, to recall this regiment, which was soon
marched along the causeway to its proper position.
The English army then advanced, the Rifles to the
right, the 15th Punjabees in the centre, and the
Queen's on the left. They were on an island cut
off from the causeway by a deep ditch, 40 feet wide,
through which the tide lowed. In plunged the
brigade, and sunk middle deep in the vilest and
most stinking slush ; but the men struggled gal-
lantly on, and in a few seconds the whole force was
on the road. The sun was sinking fast as from
the causeway, raised some six feet from the marsh,
we surveyed the position. To the right was the
town, with a wooden gate at the end of the road.
A few feet in advance of the gate the causeway
had been cut for a breadth of 20 or 30 feet, so as to
admit the flow of the'tide to the other side ; over
this ditch was a wooden bridge. The bridge and gate
were occupied without delay by 100 Riles and 100
French without a shot being fired. The ground in
front was precisely similar to that in our rear—mud
and brackish pools—while about six miles to the
left a row of trees and a few houses were visible. It
was the position of Arcola, an enormous marsh,
with one causeway running across it, and a resolute
enemy would have held the place against any odds.
Sir Hope Grant was strongly pressed to occupy the
town at once, but he steadily and most properly
refused. Evening was rapidly closing into night,
and consiliis nox apta ducum, lux aptior armis. He
.was perfectly ignorant as to the force in the forts,
and it would have been most imprudent to engage
his army after nightfall in the narrow streets of a
Chinese town, while during the dark it would have
been utterly impossible to preserve discipline and
save the inhabitants from the horrors of a sack. So
it was arranged that the gunboats should attack at
4 next morning, and the whole army lay down in
the mud on the causeway, without tents or cover-
ing, and waited the approach of day. The advanced
picket at the gate kept edging up to the outskirts
of the town, the inhabitants of which were found
at the doora of their houses in a dreadful state of
trepidation. They brought water, and showed an
anxious disposition to assist the soldiers in every
way. No sooner did this intelligence reach Consul
Parkes than he went to the gate and interrogated
the most intelligent man he could find. From him
he learnt that the forts were deserted, with the
exception of 75 men, who had sworn to fight to the
List. These were not odds to frighten " Harry
Parkes," so he asked permission from Sir Hope
Grant to visit the forts, accompanied by Captain
Williams, of the Royals, Deputy-Assistant-Quar-
termaster-General, and a corporal and two file of
the Rifles. Before starting he took a hostage, and
left him with the General as security for his safe
return.

About ten o'clock he started on his errand and
passed through the very centre of Peh-tang. The
people were standing about thentreetsvfiuslilbole. Thefalarm
and anxiety, but no Tartar soldier was
gate of the South fort was locked, and offered slight
resistance to the blows of the Riflemen, who were
soon in the fort. It was entirely deserted, and the
half-dozen guns in the embrasures were " dum-
mies," made of wood bound with hide. The
Chinaman who accompanied the party warned them
that the place was mined, and pointed out the spots
where the infernal machines were placed. Mr.
Parkes brought away half a dozen flags, and returned
to the army at midnight with his valuable budget of
news. The intelligence was conveyed to General
Montauban and Admiral Hope, and every one com-
posed himself to sleep as best he could, About
2 o'clock a party of the Rifles saw four mounted
Tartars on the mud, within a few yards of the cause-
wa.y.',They fired, and killed a horse, and most pro-
bably iss rider, for the animal was afterwards
well as the man's pouch, accoutrements,
and provisions. At half-past 4 the bugles sounded
the reveille, and soon after that hour the Generals
and their Staffs rode through the town and into the
South fort. All the houses were shut up, and hardly
a soul stirring. A partyof French Sappers accom-
panied General Montauban,remaining on the causeway, The the
Trbees rest Sappers saertmtyo
work and dug out the mines, of which there were
four. The earth had been carefully moved round a
circle of 30 feet. At intervals of six or seven feet
S-inch shells, filled with powder and slugs, were
placed in tin cases. These were connected by
with traps into which flint and steel
locks
set, and they again were attached to
slf ti roe r; were
small cords. The whole was covered with ,
matting, and a thin layer of earth carefully flattened