The Sun.
London, England, 1857-01-31 00:00:00

FURTHER DESPATCHES IPROM THE
PERSIAN GULF:

The Gazette of last night republishes the de-
spatches from the Bombay Government Gazette,
which we gave yesterday, and with thein a merely
formal communication front the Governor of Born-
bay to the Secret Committee of the India Board.
Besides, these at gives a new despatch from Admit al
Sir Henry Leeke, which we subjoin, and a return
of the-Ordnance taken at Bushire. It appears that
there:were :fOund in the fOrtress,after,ita surrender
10 iron guns, 7 brass guns, 1 brass howitzer; and
2 brass mortars mounted on wooden travelling car-
riages, the wheels of which are so rusted and out
of repair as to be quit© unserviceable for field use ;
10 brass guns and 37 iron guns dismounted, some
of which are buried in the mud or lie in the sea,
and 11 brass guns, the 'Condition of which is not
stated. One of the guns.was a 24 pounder 15 were
18-pounders, and 24 were 12-poUnders. The larger
mortar had a calibre of 8 inches, this §maller mea-
sured 5i inches. The number of pieces was in
all 69. :
In the unofficial accounts published by.-the India
papers; one of the distinguished personages taken
prisoner at Bushire was styled "Minister of War,"
a designation which has given rise to some specu!a-
tion, We learn from the despatch of the Governor
of Bombay, already mentioned, that this gentleman
is—Mirza Mahomed Reza, acivilian; of the tribe of
the Prime. Minister of Persia, " Agent for Foreign
Affairs at Bushire." His companions in captivity
are Mirza Hassan Ali Khan.. Title Derrya Beggee
(Lord of. the Sea). Decorated with 2d class Order
of Ake Liou,and Silrepf,
...Persia. A civilian, ranking
with a colonel, and gtilieina taiwir of. 80,
RittileL4fehitaiki.tir
lioittenanicolOuel,:,commanded, the, Xiahwed
ghnent and garrison of .BAshire. On the" death 'Of
the sirteep, or colonel of the Azeriiijan Regithent,
' he aasunied the Chief •derninand 'of the regular and
irregular troops of;tl).o,Sliatt in the town and dis`-
trict„ ..
The 'folio wing .• deisPitch from N.tlatital: -Lee
supplies particulars of sours operationi hot: hithertp'
reporthl ; r
REAR-ADMIRAL SIR HENRY LEEKS TO THE GkriERNOR
'IiOMBAY, DATED EOMBAY,"DECEMRER 29, 1856;
(Extract.) i
I left the anchorage on the, evening of.,the 16th insL,
and
,On hauling in- towards" ting Alt; 'a' fortified
town belimging to an Arab tribe; and under the dotninion,
of the Shalt of Persia,:,l received infor,mation of an army
of 5,000 Persian troops being in the nmetbotiihOod-unat
a general named Moestaffah l oolie Khan Allgerio Pa; Jr
on the road to Bushire.
kept,close along ihOre, and at nonii of the 19th int:
saw thern eneamPed 'betweentwo date.grove3, on a coin
manding situation, about 200 y.kards from the beach,
with their artillery, six guns (apparently 14 p'ounderti);
in their firont ; and between them and the frhione was a
covered was. I hauled close in, and anchored this ship
with a spring in her.cable in Si fathoms water, about
1 200 yaidg from them, and commended action, which
they instantly returned with ,a steady fire, the troops
drawn, up ip line, their tents in the rear.
A. spirited fire was kept up On both' Sides for• about
35 minutes,E whent.theirgune being If tlenceid,,-,tho ,Parsian
arniy,retreatedrip.,gre'at , confusion, leiaving their tents,
guns, and killed and wounded; behind ; the' 'shnt and
shell from the ship folloviing them audieuttingeff ft, great
many mon, horses. and camels, and desttr: ling their.
camp equipage. I give them a parting shell- or two; sue
hairing gained my object of makink, them change their
grouqd, I got under wßigh and stood for the anchoritge
at Jlassadore.
I have to offer mfbettithanks to Acting-Conan:larder
Adatns,,tke second captain.' of this ,ship, who, from his
knowledge o,f gm coast, placed ~snip,
so cloie to the
enemy ; and to Capt. Jenkins, my firsieaptainv the
cern; and, ship's nomparityjor :heir wady col:Wing dttOng
the that, we were engaged.with the enemy.
If ! ~t ; •
, • .
~THE WAR IN .A.
:t . • I ,!, • ) I it 3 •

Irv,enz,9!,e Loa" Gazette of Ifist ;tight.)
idrdir;lty;`,Tan.'tOt.
DeSiiittalles;.of. which-the followhigti are .espies;
have beetureoeiTildi;omißearrAdOraliqiF.,Michael
beyruoT, pQmmapder,in-Cinef of .her
Majesty's ships.and vessels on the East India and
China station
No. 116. - • -._-..Niger, at Canton, Dee. 11, 1856.
Sir,-4 have the, honour to report proceedings at CaTitton
since inflettdr;;-Na. 106; of thel4bh trit,for
'tine of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
2. On the 25th the United States' Commissioner in-
formed American citizens that the Imperial High Commis-

sioner having failed to render satisfaction for the recent
insult to their flag Commodore Armstrong would not desist
from aggressive measures till ample apology should be
made, arid a guarantee given that the American flag should

be respected for the future.
The Commodore determined on the demolition of the
Barrier Forts, the capture of which I have already reported,

and commenced blowing them up.
In the afternoon of the same day 37 war junks issued
from a creek, and anchored in line about four miles from
the Encounter in shoal water. Capt. O'Callaghan endea-
voured to 'get within range of them the following day, but
without effect. The Chinese fired several shots, which fell
short. These junks have since retired.
3. Reports having reached me that the Chinese were
busily employed in re-arming the Blenheim Fort I sent the
Barracouta down the Macao Passage on the 26th, with
Capt. Twiss and a party of Royal Artillery, to check any
such proceedings, and to destroy tho fort. About 150 sol.
diers were found there, and 15 guns had been mounted.
The troops were driven out and the guns rendered useless ;
a few mines under the works completely destroyed them.
Commander Fortescue, before leaving, informed the head
man of the adjoining village, who had superintended the
progress of the works under promise of reward from the
Mandarins, that any further attempt to restore the felt
would result in the burning of the place.
4. On the 29th two 10. inch mortars were mounted on
the Dutch Folly, and their range was tried on the French

Folly Fort.
5. On the 3d inst. a most melancholy occurrence took
place. Captain Cowper, R.E., who had been detached fo
ervice at Canton, was superintending the pulling down of
some Chinese houses outside the factory, when oneof them
suddenly fell on him, from which he sustained snob exten-
sive injuries as to cause his death in less than three hours.
Captain Cowper had been of the greatest assistance in
strengthening our position, and I cannot too highly express
my admiration of the zeal and professional ability he dis-
played. Her Majesty's service has sustained a severe loss in
his untimely end. I sent the Coromandel to Hongkong with
the remains of the deceased gallant officer.
6. The Chinese authorities having re-armed and strength-
ened, the French Folly Fort, situated near the south-east
city gate, having in its rear extensive barracks occupied by
troops, and erected flanking sandbag batteries on either
side of it, notwithstanding we had endeavoured to cheek
them by the fire of the guns and mortars in the Dutch Folly
I determined on its destruction, as threatening a hostile
concentration of force, and being an obstacle to the freena-
vigation of to river by the passage through the Barrier
Forts. The Encounter and Barracouta accordingly shifted
their positions to below the Dutch Folly on the evening of
the 3d, and on the following morning I embarked in the
Encounter, and dropped down to the fort, accompanied by
the boats of the squadron, having on board about 350 small
arm men and Royal Marines under the command of Capts.
Wilson and the Hon. A. A. Cochrane, C. 8., of the Win-
chester and Niger, and Capts. Penrose and Boyle of the
Royal:Marines. The ships were anchored about 850 yards
from the fort, being as near as the depth of water per-
mitted, and at 7 a.m. a heavy and effective fire was opened
from them, and from the Dutch Folly ; the boats soon
after pushed on shore, and our flag was planted on the
walls of the fort amidst the hearty sheers of the assailing
parties. The Chinese troops twice attempted to rally, but
were quickly driven back, and the affair was over within
one hour, from the first gun being fired, The fort mounted
about 20 heavy guns, with others of various calibre in the
sandbag batteries. Those in the fort were mounted some-
what similarij to ships' guns, with breechings secured to
spars across the outside of the embrastres. This gives
some colour to the report that many of the garrison had
served in European ships.
The usual official placards were found on the walls of the
French Folly, offering rewards for the murder of all Eng-
lishmen, and of Chinese in their employ.
As soon as resistance had ceased, a party of Royal
Artillery, under command of Capt. G. Rolton, commenced
the destruction of the fort.
Mines were ,sunk and sprung under the works which
laid the whole of the massive granite in a heap of ruins,
barely ore stone being left in its original position. The
guns were destroyed, and their new carriages burnt.
Throughout the day feeble attempts were made by the
Chinese troops to disturb our operations, rendering it ne-
cessary for our covering parties and boats' guns to keep
them from advancing. These buildings ultimately caught
fire, and were burnt to the ground.
During our operations the Dutch Folly Fort, in charge
of Commodore Hon. C. Elliot, threw shells from the worst
tars into the city, where troops had been previously ob-
served, which fortunately exploded two magazines.
The gallantry and promptitude displayed by the officers
and men, and the rapid success which crowned their exer-
tions, deserve my warmest commendation. , I am happy
to be able to state that our loss only: amounted to one pri-
vate, Royal Marines, of her Majesty's ship Winchester,
killed, and one seaman slightly wounded.
The ships were hulled several tunes—the Encounter by

41). STAMPED SD•

a 63-pounder shot. The ships returned to the Factory
Creek on the sth.
It has been reported that the Chinese authorities placed

great confidence in the strength of the fort, backed as it
was by the presence of a large body of troops. On the sth
a seaman belonging 'to the Comus, and a private Royal
Marine, of the Sybille, having, contrary to orders, strayed
from their post in the Macao Fort to Honam Island, were
attacked by some of the inhabitants of the village of Nan
Pien. The marine was murdered, and his head carried off ;
the seaman jumped into the river, and was drowned. The
next day „Lsent the Barracouta to the locality, and burnt
the village, which was found deserted. I also issued a pro-
clamation, of which 1 enclose a copy, pointing out the
cause of this punishment, and threatening the same conse-
quences should any Englishman lose his life in a similar
manner. .

8. The American ships of war completed the demolition
of the litrrier Forts on the 6th, and dropped down to
Whampoa. These forts were of enormous strength and
solidity, being entirely built of large blocks of granite, with
walls 9or 10 feet thick. They were heavily armed, many
of the guns beiog -7 or 8 tons weight, with a bore of 13
inches; one brass Bi-inch gun was over 21 feet long.

The Levant arrived yesterday at Canton.
9. A party of 90 officers and men, belonging to the Cal-
cutta, came up on the 7th to replace the Winchester's de-
tachmeut.

10. I visited the Bogue Forts on the Bth. They have
been effectually dismantled under the direction of Captain
,the lion. Keith Stewart, of the Nankin.
11. A seaman lislonging to ono of the river steamers was
seized by some of the officials on the 12th instant, who at-
tempted to kill him. He managed, however, to effect his
escape, though severely wounded . I immediately despatched
Captain Hall to pull down the'Government buildings and
.Gustomitousp.wheie. the seizure. was made, which was
131•010 I***APcutlad: - A, tir !Itillrcbi firgarsfithg:r9°4ll4l-, '
thabWe can hope to avert the evil intent.jof the riough'Cos2
missioner's prenaiiims for our heads. ,sr - -•- -
• . ,
fidoct •:i Numerous complaints of piracies in the neighbour-
t
' ofliOnglrfbg having been made to me, li. '..ttched
the Sampson to check them. In her first crui She cap-
tured one junk and destroyed five. in the, sec,on , she saw
no suspicious vessels, and is now at Hongkong.
'AZ. rltaveqrad, no communication with .the Imperial
Corarnissionet,:bis ,-Excellency having ,wibliderawn the
tioeps fr.:4i' tlie''neighbouriiig districts for the protection
of Canton '.'' 41lie country is, represented to be kn.a most dis-
organised state, bands of robbers coniiiiitting•dspreditions
and murders' in every dir'ection. I learn that there are
from 17,000 to 20,000 &bops and militia in-the- city, but
they have not ai4. Yet -blade any offensive derEicipstration,
and even were tliezti) attack the factories I slietild have
no fear of the r,es*. , •
• , 7
14... The 'storp4Ye sd.e the traffic at Canton rotist cause a.
Eeveret prL:saure. The river, which used 'to' ibe thionFed I
with junks tied boats, is now comparatively clear, and I''
feel a confident/ hope that the measures which have hken'
taken Will iirfito: successful. • . ,

Alien the livolieitiine arrives the fulfilment of stipula-
tions, granted by treaty, should be rigidly insiited on.
CompulsiOn io the only argument convince the
Chinese: • Moderation is considered but another name for
the watit of nieatii to enforce compliance. •
15.; A fetv shells were thrown into the city yesterday
from the Dutch Folly in the direction of tho' Government
buildings.
It' ie gratifying to report that the force.. continues
healthy and in excellent spirits.
17; I anctase" copies of correspondence relative to this
letter, with.aatcheclule.of the same. I hair°. &c
•,
M. SETMOVR, • .
• Rear-Admiral and Comraandor-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty, London.:.
18. I enclose,a copy of a letter which,r have just re-
.ceiveal, from the -United States' Commissionqrto theAme-
riCan reenact' at Canton, which will allow Ahe state of
iiffairi u regaiels the Apieriiins. , • 'M. S.
; •

:lINITio STAVES' LEOATION; •
• m Mite/ States' Frigate San•Jaantit,
Whampoa,4llcii. *5, 4856: .
Zxcellency: Yeh, Imperial Commissioner sand
Governor-General, having failed to render the satasfaction
due and demanded for the recent insult to the United
StateS'i Sal bj, the Barrier Forts, Commodore James Arm-
stroni,-Commander-in-Chief of the -naval-forces of the •
United states in China, &c., compelled by a sense of public
dutii will not desist from the measures ialiibh the policy
of -t e Imperial . Commissioner imposed liPon him till he
Apcsiogisos for the outrage on the sag, .'find guarantees for
its proper respect in future are obtainea. Yonrwill there-
liiiteriotily-to-the citizens of the U.nitiO4vittcatCanton
accordingly.

Respectfully, &c.,

PETER PARKER.
0. 11. Perry, Esq., United States' Consul, Canton.

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
Macao, Dec. 9, 1856.

Sir,—A despatch from Commodore James Armstrong,
of this day's date, informs me that on the 6th inst. the
demolition of the Barrier Forts was completed, and the
ships had returned to the anchorage at Whampoa, and in a
few days the damage to the vessels would be repaired.
Enclosing me copies of his correspondence with the Im-
perial Commissioner, he observes —" Here I presume it will
end, and so long as he, the Imperial Commissioner, does
not commit any act of violence against our flag or citizens
we shall rest upon our arms." His Excellency Yeh, in a
despatch of the 7th inst., writes Commodore Armstrong
" From this I see your Excellency has a clear knowledge of
affairs—there is no matter of strife between our respective
nations. Henceforth let the fashion of the flag which A meri-
ships employ be clearly defined, and inform mo what it is
beforehand. This will be the verification of the friendly
relations which exist between the two countries."
I hano this day resumed correspondence with the
Imperial Commissioner, demanding attention to various
important subjects which I have chosen to place in abey-
ance pending the adjustment of the naval question ; among
. .

them other instances in which the flag of the United States
has been fired on by the Chinese, and the rights of the
United States' citizens, under treaty, have been brought
to his Excellency's notice, who has been informed that,
failing to render the satisfaction demanded for the viola-
tion of the treaty by the forts of Kiang-Shan, that matter
will also be handed over to the Commander-in-Chief of the
United States' naval forces in China to manage.
This brief exposi of the present state of our relations to
the Chinese Government at your port you are authorised
to communicate for the information of the United States'
citizens within your consular jurisdiction.
Respectfully, &c.,

- - .
PETER PARKER.
0. H. Parry, E3q., -United States Consul, Canton.

RETURN OF CASUALTIES RECEIVED BY THE NATAL FORCE
EMPLOYED IN THE OPERATIONS OF THIS DAY. DATED
DEC. 4, 1856.

KILLED.

David Moffatt, private Royal Marine, Winchester, mot,
tally wounded in the launch of her Majesty's ship Sybille,
by a rocket arrow penetrating the right lung.
WOUNDED.

Thomas Carr, A. 8., Winchester, contused wound o.
chest from spent ball, very slightly.
Killed, 1; wounded, 1.

CJIAS. J. ANDERSON, M.D., Staff• Surgeon in
Medical Charge of the Force disembarked.

LIST OF MEN WHO WEEK MURDERED BY THE CHINESE IN
THE VILLAGE OE NAN-PIEN, ON THE STH OF DECEMBER,
NEAR THE MACAO FORT.
Charles Bennett, private, Royal Marines, Sybille, killed
and beheaded.
Richard Winter, A. 8., Comm, drowned.
M. SEYMOUR,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.

PROCLAMATION DT THH BRITISH ADMIRAL.
The operations in which the British forces are at -Fre-
sent engaged having been occasioned by the unfriendly acts
of the Chinese Government. and therefore intended not to
yi t case
with
tohl de
stahma
et
affect the people, all the villages around have hitherto been
preserved entirely free from molestation or attack of any
kind on the part of our soldiery. Yesterday, however, two
of our men landing at the village of Nan-pien wore there
killed by some Chinese, who sought to gain by this inhu-
;Ban act the paltry reward offered for the murder of our
alnel will
willin visit
ivseirt
covntrymen by all local authorities. As a warning, there-
fore, to *the other villages, I have burned Nan-pien to the
ground, but being unwilling to involve the innocent with
the guilty, I have spared the lives of its inhabitants. And
village or place responsible iti which the life of an English-
manlhereby
s h
punishment that I hare inflicted in this instance.
December 6, 1856.
allinbaektehuksusoavicarifitchea:,

Sampson, at anchor off Wan-Chow-Chow, Dec. 6, MC.
Sir--According to my intentions, intimated to you in
/By letter of the 4th ipst., I proceeded to sea yesterday
morning, with 4 Chinese who had had their vessels taken
away from them, and directed my search towards Lintin.
Observing a suspicious-looking row-junk off Saw-chow at
anchor, I sent and had her brought off, when, finding she
had no number, papers, or flag, with a lazger crew than a
trading vessel would have, and nothing on board but am
munition for several small guns with which she was armed,
I had no doubt but she was there waiting an opportunity
to pounce upon some market boat (the islland being per-
fectly barren), and the only answer they could give me was
that they wore rebelmen, and looking after Inandarins. I
accordingly took her into Hong Kong and gave her over to