The Sun.
London, England, 1860-08-14 00:00:00

THE BBITISIi EXPEDITION TO CHINA

(From the Times' Special Correspondent.)

After a safe and prosperous voyage the Pekin,
aided by the south-west monsoon, has deposited her
diplomatic freight at Hong Kong. Soon after day-
light yesterday morning we sighted the Asses'-ears.
Steaming on, amid rocky, barren islets, we pass
Deep Bay, and see the masts of her Majesty's steam
transport Assistance, with her Majesty's ship Esk
on guard by her side. The Assistance was lost on
the Ist inst., according to Act of Parliament. She
struck on a rock not marked in the chart., but she
was hugging the shore so close as to be less than her
own length from it. She is a total wreck, and had
some £lO,OOO worth of stores on board, which are
either destroyed or damaged. With the ensigns of
England and France at her main, and gaily dressed
in many-coloured bunting, the Pekin steams slowly
to her moorings ; and no at the anchor is down and
we quit the ship. Most fortunate were the poor
castaways of the Malabar in finding such a com-
mander as Captain Cloete. In this his first voyage
in command, and under most trying circumstances
—he was obliged to suspend his first officer—Capt.
Cloete has exhibited qualities which augur well for
his future career. An Oxford man and a scholar,
a skilful seaman and a careful navigator, he has
brought us safely through these dangerous seas, and
been most unremitting in his attentions to all on
board. In bearing this public testimony to his
merits I do but echo the opinion of the Ambassa-
dors and of all on board.

Hong Kong, " the island of fragrant streams," is I
progressing rapidly in wealth and importance. Some
19 years have elapsed since it became a British co-
lony, at which time its population of 700 Chinese
eked out a miserable subsistence by fishing and ca-
botage. See those gay bungalows perched on the
hill-side towards Victoria Peak, or cosily nestling on
the margin of the lake ; there reside the heads of
those great China houses whose fame is European, and
who hence direct the operations which lead to such
colossal fortunes. " The living here's uncommon
pleasant," as Thackeray sings ; but, alas, you will
not " find the air agree." Built on the side and at
the base of the mountain, Victoria is completely shut
out from the breeze of the south-west monsoon.
Not a cat's paw is now stirring on one half of the
lake-like harbour. The sun is setting behind the
peak, but no sea breeze comes to refresh the jaded
body. Across the bay on the mainland is the Kow-
loon peninsula ; it lies at the foot of the lofty granite
hills, which exclude us from all view of the inte-
rior. This promontory is some two miles long and
one wide. The rocks which form it have been
heaved about into small hillocks and narrow
valleys. Open to the south-west monsoon, which
is ruffling the water at its base, Kowloon is the
very place for an encampment, for it is dry and
airy, and the ground is easy of access. Great Bri•
tain has just obtained at a nominal rent a lease of
this peninsula in perpetuity from the Governor-
General of Kwantung province. Here a great part
of the army has been encamped, and a most healthy
position it has proved. But Kowloon possesses an
additional value. Deep water surrounds the low
rocks which fringe it, and at a very trifling cost a
pier could be run out, alongside which a 50-gun
frigate might coal. This has not been overlooked
by Admiral Hope, who has recommended the home
authorities to commence operations without delay.
A small dockyard already exists at Hong Kong,
and a magnificent dock, built of the best granite,
and some 325 long, has just been finished by Mr.
John Lamont. Hong Kong, therefore, promises to
be the naval, as it already is the financial, head-
quarters. Before leaving Kwantung province let
me refer to a case which curiously illustrates our
relations with China. For many years an active
business has been carried on at Swatow, though it
is not one of the five ports opened to trade by the
treaty of Nankin. From Swatow, also, have been
exported those cargoes of coolies whose sufferings
and harsh treatment have so often afforded sub-
ject for comment. The treaty of Tien-tsin added
Swatow and other places to the five ports,
but as this treaty was never ratified the
Consulates have not been opened. Many com-
plaints having lately been made, and some little
rioting having occurred, Mr. Bruce has concluded a
treaty within a treaty, and arranged with the Go-
vernor of the province that the Consul, Mr. G. W.
Caine, shall at once proceed to his post. He goes
forthwith, accompanied by Mr. Alabaster as inter-
preter, and Mr. Cooper as assistant. The armies
have assembled in the North—the English at Ta-
lien-hwan, the French at Chefou, both in the Gulf
of Pechele, and about 100 miles from the mouth of
the Peiho. A force of 2,000 men has been lea to
garrison Hong-kong, consisting of the 21st Madras
Native Regiment, a provisional battalion formed of
the depots of the British regiments on service in
the field, and 250 artillerymen. The health of the
troops has been excellent. No epidemics have pre.
vailed, and they have suffered more from one cause
to which I can merely allude than from any sick-
ness incidental to a tropical climate. I am happy
to say that I hear but one opinion as to the efficiency
of the British force, or as to the arrangements made
by the chiefs for insuring the health and comfort of
the men. Staff Surgeon D. F. Rennie was in-
structed by Dr. Muir, the principal medical officer,
to report on the state of the barracks here with re-
ference to their sanitary condition. He found the
arrangements defective in many particulars, and
the barracks overcrowded. Dr. Muir forthwith
communicated with Sir Hope Grant, who acted
with energy and promptitude. A number of men
were removed to the barracks at Stanley, on the
south side of the island, and the authorities are now
actively engaged in carrying out the necessary sani-
tary reforms. An additional Deputy Inspector-
General of Hospitals being required, Dr. Gordon,
C. 8., late of the 10th Foot, has arrived at Hong-
kong. Dr. Gordon was superintending surgeon of
Sir Edward Lugard's column during the late opera-
tions in India, and received the Order of the Bath
for the energy and ability he displayed in that ca-
pacity. He remains here, and will forward to the
Cape all sick and wounded who require a change
of climate. There they will be placed in a large
sanitarium lately established at Constantia. The
Mauritius, the Sir W. Peel, and the Melbourne
have been fitted up as ambulant hospital steamers
for the conveyance of the sick and wounded. The
Lancashire Witch remains as permanent hospitai ,
ship in the gulf of Pechele, and the Hercules and
Princess Charlotte in Hong Kong harbour.
Canton is strongly garrisoned. The British force
consists of 3,589 men, and includes one European
regiment (the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers, upwards
of 1,100 strong), two native regiments, a battery of
Royal Artillery, and some detachments. The 87th
are much disappointed at. being left behind, and
there is certainly no finer regiment in her Ma-
jesty's service. At the battle of Barrosa they took
an eagle from the French, and in commemoration
of that event the Imperial bird, with a wreath of
laurel, is embroidered on their colours and worn on
their shakos. I strongly suspect that this badge of
victory has caused them to be left in garrison, lest
our allies should take umbrage at seeing it dis-
played in action before a common enemy.
Sir Hope Grant and Admiral Hope left Hong
Kong for Shanghai on Monday the 11th inst., and
arrived on the 16th. They found a most extraordi•
nary state of things awaiting them. The Imperial
Government has for months bestowed all its care
and attention on the line of the Peiho, where, if
native accounts may be credited, a desperate resist-
ance will be made. In their anxiety to prepare a
proper reception for the barbarians the Govern-
ment forget the Imperial army besieging Nankin,
where the rebels have been so long and successfully
established. But your Chinaman is a practical
.
man, and the Imperialist troops, finding them-
selves forgotten by the No. 1 Mandarins at Pekin,
determined to fight no longer but to loot on their
own account. They therefore eisbanded,andtosewanti
tered themselves over the country in every direc-
tion, pillaging and plundering village and
Chang, Generalissimo of the Imperial forces,
published
en-
deavoured tgo
parioTcelsatmtahtieondi:_sorder, and
the followin
superintending all military operations in Chehklang'
Commander in-Chief of the Provincial
4i Chang, appointed by Imperial commission Generalis-
simo,
(properly),Army
of liwangsi, a Kituyii (hereditary rank), and Mingyung
paturu, makes proclamation. Whereas the vagabond
rebels, madly outrageous, having worked their way into

Chang-chau and attacked the city of that depart-
ment, the different positions outside it were, alas I lost one
after the other, the troops being few, while the enemy were
numerous. The Generalissimo led on his columns to fight
fiercely, but the enemy threatening his line of retreat he
was unable to enter the city, and was compelled to retire
upon Wu-sih, protect the city of that disti ict, and carefully
guard the gates of Soochow, that so the great stake might
be recovered. On the 4th (24th of May), however, some
hundreds of outlaws on horseback made their way to the
neighbourhood of Teih-sz-yeu (between Chang-chau and
Wu- sih), for the purpose of making a reconnaissance, on
which the Generalissimo in person led on some cavalry to
the attack, to surround them and exterminate them. The
rebels were put to the rout, 11 heads were cut off, and 10
horses taken, and this great victory obtained. On the sth
inst (25th of May) some thousand good troops were de-
spatched to encamp outside the north gate in the neighbour
hood of the high bridge, at 20 li from the city, which is
secured against harm by the completeness of the above dis-
positions. Lest, however, the troops and braves scattered
in every direction should not know where the camps aro
pitched it is expedient to issue a proclamation. This pro-
clamation is accordingly issued for the information of the
military officers and men who fell back from Chang-chau
and Tan-yang. Let all who have gone elsewhere return
with all speed to IVu.sih and assemble their forces, every
man rejoining his own camp, and let the officers command-
ing call on the leaders of the subordinate divisions for a
return of their strength and present it to the Generalissimo ,
that he may have the data that will enable him to issue the
necessary rations and supply the cooking utensils, arms, and
tents required; and let them wait for orders where to pitch
their camp, so that step by step they may advance to the at-
tack. They will not be allowed to station themselves at Soo-
ehow, nor must they go to any distance they please. It is as-
sumed that officers, soldiers, and militia who have been so
long in receipt of rations and pay, who have eaten the
fruits of the earth and walked the ground recipients of the
I bounty of this illustrious dynasty, which has bred and fed
its subjects for centuries, will not fail to feel their conscience
stir them, and, joining their sovereign in hatred of his
•enemies, exert themselves with energy, that the frontiers
of the empire may be made secure and the devilish temper
(the rebellion) suppressed ; that they will henceforth assert
the dignity of war and recover the different cities taken.
So doing their merit will be great, and all alike inviting the
reward of his Majesty which will equal their glory and good
fortune ? It is the sincere hope of the generalissimo that
they will act. Tremble. Let none resist.
" A special proclamation.
" Posted Hien Fung, 10th year, 4th month, 17th day
(June 7, 1860)."

Did ever trumpet give sound so uncertain ? Was
ever generalissimo so content spargere votes in
vulgum ambiguas? He assumes that officers and.
men will " feel their conscience stir them." Alas
for poor Chang ! John Chinaman knows the value
of time and money, and will only give one in ex-
change for the other. "No catchey piecey dollar
no catchee rebels ;" and the dollars are needed for
the imperial city, which must at all cost be protected
from barbaric invasion. So the spirits which Chang
would fain have evoked did not answer his bidding,
and Soochow, the second city of the empire, fell
into the hands of the rebels. In those hands it still
remains, according to the latest accounts, notwith-
standing an incorrect rumour which prevailed at
Shanghai some 10 days ago that the rebels had
returned to Nankin. The Governor Su, "oppressed
to death," committed suicide at Soochow, and Ho,
Governor-General of the province, fled to Shanghai.
There he placed himself in communication with.
the Allies, whom hebesought to advance on Soo-
chow (90 miles), and drive out the rebels. This
proposition was most properly declined, but the
generals, with the approval of Mr. Bruce, offered
a guard to protect life and property at Shanghai.
Accordingly a force of 400 men and officers of the
battalion of Royal Marines under Lieutenant-
Colonel Gascoigne, with three howitzers and an.
equal number of French, have been placed in an.
advantageous position for the defence of the town
and factories if attacked by the rebels. The posi-
tion has been considerably strengthened by out-
works, and could be reinforced in an hour. Mean-
while the greatest alarm prevails among the Chinese
population of Shanghai, many of whom are leaving
the place in equal dread of the soldiery, should they
retreat, or the rebels, should they advance upon it.
They have not forgotten their miseries when the
native town was occupied by the rebels some seven
years ago. Nearly all business is suspended, though
the Europeans are safe under the protection of the
Allied bayonet. An attempt—quite unsuccessful—
was made to reassure the Chinese population by
the issue of the following proclamation :

" Wu, Intendant of the Su-Sung-Tai circuit, issues a
proclamation to tranquillize the people. Whereas on the
17th inst. (6th of June) his Excellency the Governor-
General Ho, Guardian of the Heir Apparent, came to
Shanghai followed by 20 dragon boats and other vessels,
escorting the Commissariat, which entered the Hwang-pu
from the Wn-sung. The Intendant is apprehensive that
the people dwelling along the shores, by paying undue
attention to the unfounded reports in circulation, may be
seized with alarm. The tranquillity of the quarter may be
counted on, as the English and French nations, co-operat-
ing with the Chinese authorities, have placed a picked force
at all important points, by land and water. It is expedient
that this should be publicly known, and the Intendant
accordingly issues this notice to inform all residing on the
shores of the Hwang-pu that, in concert with the military
authorities, native and foreign, ho is making the most care-
ful dispositions for the security of the quarter. Let therm
not, therefore, unnecessarily give ear to idle rumours, nor
allow themselves to be panic-stricken without a cause.
Take heed I Take heed I"

"Paradise is above," says the Chinese proverb,
"but below are Soochow and Hangchow." Both.
these towns are in the hands of the rebels, who can
stop the whole trade of Shanghai.
Before me is a list of the transports employed by
the British Commissariat. No less than 119 vessel's
have been taken up, many of which are
been et char-
steamers.
They average 1,000 tons each, and
have
17s.
6d. to 225. 6d.
pertere char-
tered
tonat
pfreights
month.
Thus varying fromusl2o,oool.
a month is paid
for transport alone. But this represents a small
portion of the necessary Commissariat expenses. BY
some mails they have drawn 400,0001. upon Eng-
land and India, and by none less than half that
amount. We have no less than 76 pennants in
these waters, and the French have 45 ; the cost of
the Chinese war must, therefore, already be counted
by millions. Except the Assistance we have had
no casualties. The French have been less fortunate
—one of their transports has been wrecked and an-
other burnt. The Yangtze steamer, which has just
arrived from Shanghai, reports another large French
transport in a dangerous position on the north
bank near that port. She was firing signals of dis-
tress, and a gunboat was hastening to her assist-
ance. My next letter will be from Shanghai,
whither I proceed forthwith en route to join the
expedition. Lord Elgin sails to-morrow in the
Feroze steam sloop of war, and Baron Gros next
day in the Saigon, both for Shanghai. Immediately
after their arrival active operations on the Peiho
will commence.

SIR CHAS. l'irOOD AND THE BENGAL CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE.—The Calcutta Price Current, of the 3d of
July, published by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, con-
tains the following paragraph :—" The committee of the
Chamber of Commerce has noticed with surprise the state-
ment of Sir Charles Wood, in the Hells? of Commons, on
the 24th May, that the new customs tariff had been entered
inte with the general concurrence of the Chamber, it being
well known to the local Government that its course has
been one of protest and remonstrance from the commence•
ment."

The Polynesian, a journal published at Honolulu,
announces that the young Prince of Hawaii has been
officially proclaimed heir to the throne. The King and-
Parliament have decided that each member of the House of
Assembly shall receive 150 dollars per session, that 1,000
dollars a year shall be the minimum property qualification
of each member, that the number of the House of Nobles
shall not exceed 20, and that the franchise shall be the
right of all males above 20 years of age.
IMPROVED ORDER OF OLD FRIENDS BENEFIT
SOClETY.—Yesterday a meeting, attended by nearly 3,000
nearo IVroood
persons, was held at the Roebuck Inn, Buckhurst-hillf
An excellent dinner was provided ; the
band of the 2d Life Guards enlivened the festivities ; and
the t
hugfhorlydEnglish good feeling displayed throughout
proved how well every member appreciated the efforts of
the committee to contribute to their comfort. The Loyal
King's Lodge and the Loyal York Lodge had joined their
forces on this occasion, and the result was most successful.
The order has dispensed upwards of £17,000 in benefits, ig
without a single pound on its claimant fund, and has proms
grossed to the extent of £2,000 a year. During the year, in
one of these lodges, the increase of members has been 261,
and the surplus receipts £545 upon the past year. Maul
excellent speeches were made and appropriate toasts pro-
posed, The entertainment passed off most agreeably.
DEATH BY DROWNING AT RAMSGATE.-01i
Sunday morning a roan of the name of Gilbert, who was
employed at the water-works at Ramsgate went out to
bathe from one of the bathing-machines. 'He could 1.2.0 t
swim, but somehow get out of his depth, and after
struggling for a few minutes he sank and was drowned
the sight and almost within reach of several persons. The
poor man leaves a wife and five children in humble circu
stances. Some gentlemen who were visiting the town, and
who saw the poor fellow drowned, kindly collected
._,
sub-
scriptions for the widow and children, to the amouilcr.
neatly £3O, during the day. The unhappy wife was
fined of her fifth child only a day or two since ; the latter,
by a strange coincidence, dying at the very time the father
was drowned.