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London, England, 1842-01-08 00:00:00

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made. She was soon- joined by the Queen, and both
commenced action with good effect.
The Wellesley and Blenheim, after ranging along the
line of works on Amoy under a smart fire, were anchor-
ed by the stern about half-past two, P. 31., admirably
placed by Captains Maitland and Herbert in ten fathoms
water, within 400 yards of the principal battery, pre-
cisely in the position allotted them, and the Cruizer,
Pylades, Columbine, and Algerine, took their stations
with equal judgment.
The Blonde, Druid, and Modeste, reached their posi-
tions against the batteries on Koo-lang-soo a few minutes
earlier, but their Captains found such difficulty from the
shallowness of the water in placing them satisfactorily,
that to effect this object they very spiritedly carried their
ships into almost their own draft.
The Bentinck had been appointed to sound the channel
ahead of the Wellesley as we ran in, which Lieut. Collin-
son very skilfully performed, and then gallantly anchored
the brig within the entrance of the-harbour, where she
was joined by the Sesostris, which was placed by Capt.
Ormsby in a very judicious situation fur relieving her
and the other ships from a flanking fire.
The fire of the Chinese soon slackened under the ex-
cellent gun practice of the squadron. At half-past three
I had the satisfaction of seeing the marines and the 26th
regiment land on the island of Koo-lang-soo, and the Bri-
tish colours planted on the batteries. The Modeste and
Blonde then weighed and stood into the inner harbour,
and, after silencing, they passed the town batteries,
which were out of our reach ; they anchored completely
inside, and abreast of the city, taking possession of 26
war junks, with 128 guns on board, in a state of prepara-
tion for sea, deserted by their crews.
About the same time the first division of troops were
landed under the able direction of Commander usitfard, of
the Cruizer, and headed by their gallant General Sir
Hugh Gough, escaladed and took possession of the works
at the barrier wall.
. An outwork beyond thig point (which had been pre-
visusly silenced), was also entered, and the British
colours hoisted by the crew of a boat from the Plilege-
then ; and the batteries immediately opposite the Wel-
lesley and Blenheim being nearly demolished, a party of
seamen and marines were landed from those ships, under
the command of Commander Fletcher, and the officers
under-mentioned, by whom the Chinese, who had taken
shelter in an adjoining building, were put to flight, after
discharging their matchlocks, and possession taken 01
the works. Wellesley—Acting Lieutenant Carmichael,
Lieutenant White, Royal Marines ; Mates, Lord A.
Beauclerk, S. S. L. Crofton, L. G. Halsted ; Midship-
man, W. F. F. Jackson. Blenheim—Captain Whitcomb,
Royal Marines ; Mates, R. C. Revern, T. A. St. Leger.
The General having cleared the intermediate space of
such of the Chinese as remained, pushed forward and
occupied.the heights immediately above the town for the
night, every point being thus completely in our power.
In detailing this service to your Lordship, I have the
highest satisfaction in reporting the gallantry, zeal, and
energy which has been manifested by every officer and
man of her Majesty's Navy and Royal Marines, as well
as those of the Indian Navy wider my command. They
have vied with each other in the desire to anticipate and
meet every object. for the public service, and are fully
entitled to my best acknowledgments, and the favourable
consideration of the Board of Admiralty
i and Indian Go-
vernment. I have no less pleasure n witnessing the
anxiety which pervades all ranks to go hand in hand
with our gallant companions of the Army.
His Excellency Sir Henry Pottinger and suite were
ith me on board the 'Wellesley during the operations of
the 26th.
Captain Bouchier's own Report (Enclosure No. 2) will
best describe the proceedings of the little squadron
placed under his orders for the attack of Koo-lang-soo,
which was admirably executed ; and I can only add my
meed of praise on this additional instance of the gal-
lantry of Captain Ellis and the officers and men of the
Royal Marines under his command, as well as of Major
Johnstone, and the detachment of the 26th acting with
them.
The accounts we have received of the fore:: of the
Chinese for the defence of Amoy vary from 5,600 to
10,000 troops ; and it is with sincere pleasure I am en-
abled to transmit to your Lordship so small a list of casu-
alties amongst the crews, and mates, and rigging of the
squadron. (Enclosures Nos. 3 and 4.) The resistance
made by our opponents would have justified the appre-
hension of greater injury. Under the protection of
their well. constructed casemated works, they stood on
some points firmly to their guns. We hare no know-
ledge of their actual loss. More thole sixty dead bodies
were, I believe, found in the batteries ; but nearly all
their wounded, and many of the slain, were carried off
by their countrymen.
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces will pro-
bably give your Lordship an account of the munitions of
avarand- Government stores which hate fallen into oui.'
hands, including a large quantity of gunpowder and a
foundry for cannon, where some guns of very large
calibre, newly cast, have been discovered.
We have been constantly employed in destroying the
guns, and, as far as it has been practicable, the batteries
taken on the 26th. The last two days Commander
Fletcher, with a party of seamen and marines, has been
also detached in the Nemesis, and, with very commend-
able zeal, has completely disabled the guns on every bat-
tery on the north-east and south-west sides of the bay
and the fortified islands at the entrance, of which your
Lordship will find official returns enclosed. (Enclosures
Nos. 5 and 6.)
The superiority of the bay and inner harbour of Amoy
has much exceeded our expectations. The anchorage in
the former appears excellent ; and the latter, as far as
our hasty surveys have gone, affbrds perfect security for
ships of any class, and to a great extent, with a rea-
sonable prospect of proving a healthy situation. Sir
Hugh Gough and myself have, therefore, entirely con-
curred with his Excellency Sir Henry Pottinger in .the
expediency of retaining possession of the island of Koo-
lang-soo, which will at any time give us the command of
Amoy, until your Lordship's wishes, or the pleasure of
her Majesty's Government, is known.' For this purpose
a sufficient garrison will be placed on the island by the
General, and I propose to leave Captain Smith, of the
Druid, with the Pylades and Algerine for their support.
'The wind is unfortunately at present adverse, but your
Lordship may be assured that the expedition will proceed
to the northward the moment it is practicable, in the fur.
ther execution of our instructions.—l have the honour
to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient servant
(Signed) W. PARKER, Rear-Admiral.
(Enclosure No. 1.)
On Ward her Majesty's ship Wellesley, off Amoy,
Aug. 26, 1841.
The undersigned, Sir Henry Pottinger,_ Bart., her
Majesty's Plenipotentiary ; Sir William Parker, com-
manding in chief the naval forces ; and Sir Hugh Gough,
commanding in chief the land forces of the British nation
in these parts.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE ADMIRAL COMMANDING IN
CHIEF THE NAVAL FORCES OF THE PROVINCE OF
FUKICON.
There being certain differences subsisting between the
two nations of Great Britain and China, which have not
been cleared up, the undersigned Plenipotentiary and
the Commander-in-Chief have received the instructions
of their Sovereign that, unless these be completely re-
moved, and secure arrangements made, by accession to
the demands last year presented at Ticatsin, they shall
regard it as their duty to resort to hostile measures for
the enforcement of those demands.
But the undersigned Plenipotentiary and Commanders-
in-Chief, moved by compassionate feelings, are averse to
causing the death of so many officers and soldiers as
must perish, and urgently request the Admiral command-
ing in chief in this province forthwith to deliver the town
and all the fortifications of Amoy into the hands of the
British forces, to be held for the present by them. Upon
his so doing, all the officers and troops therein will be
allowed to retire with their personal arms and baggage,
and the people shall receive no hurt ; and whenever.
these difficulties shall be settled, and the demands of
Great Britain fully granted, the whole shall be restored
to the hands of the Chinese.
' If these terms be acceded to, let a white flag be dis-
played from the fortifications. (Signed)
H. PorriNGER, her Majesty's Plenipotentiary.
Wm. PARKER, Rear-Admiral. . .
HUGH GOUGH, Major-General.
(Enclosure, No. 2.)
HIS EXCELLENCY REAR-ADMIRAL SIR WM. PARKER,
E.C.8., COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ETC., ETC., EAST
INDIA STATION.
Her Majesty's ship Blonde, Inner liarbour of Amoy,
August 27, 1841.
SlR—The operations of the force you did me the ho-
nour to place under my command for the attack of the.
island of Koo-lang-soo, were so immediat& under your
observation that little remains to me beyolid tbe agree-
able duty of bringing to your Excellency's notice the
admirable conduct of every officer and man I had the
honour to command.
The squadron was led into action by Captain Eyres,
commanding her Majesty's ship Modeste, with the most
perfect skill and gallantry. The Blonde and Druid fol-
lowed, and were placed as near as the shoalness of the
water would admit to the three principal batteries, which
they succeeded in silencing after a fire of one hour and
twenty minutes, when the Marines, under the gallant
Captain Ellis, were landed, and carried the heights with
their accustomed bravery.
The distance of the transports prevented the 26th
(Cameronian) Regiment from being sent on shore at the
same moment with the Marines, but they were promptly
after them ; and the detachment of that distinguished
corps, under Major Johnstone, assisted in clearing the re-
maining batteries and dispersing the enemy.
From Captain Smith, of her Majesty's ship Druid, I
received the most able support. That ship was placed
with excellent judgment, and her conduct such as was to
be expected from her high state of discipline. This
island being now completely in our possession, I left the
Druid to protect it, and pushed the Modesto and Blonde
into the inner harbour, silencing their war junks and bat-
teries on the opposite shore as we passed ; and I have
herewith the honour to enclose a return of the vessels
captured and ordnance destroyed. The officers and crew
of this ship merit my highest praise, as well as the party
of Royal Artillery serving on beard under the command
of Lieutenant the Hon. R. E. Spencer. I should be
wanting in justice were I to close this letter without
bringing to your notice the merits of Lieutenant Sir
Frederick Nicholson, first of this ship, to whose valuable
assistance -I am much indebted ; and. I must also beg to
name to your Excellency the senior mates of this ship,
Messrs. Walker, Rolland, and Anderson, young officers
of much promise.

ie report of Captain Ellis of the Royal Marinei.
(Signed) T. BOLTCHIER, Captain.
(Enclosure in Captain Bourchier's Letter.)
TO CAPTAIN ROURCHIER, R.N. &C. &C. HER MAJI6TY'S

1 ilitar SHIP BLONDE.
y Quarters Royal Marines, Island of Koo-lang-
soo, near Amoy, Aug. 27, 1841.
Sir—Having yesterday
received your directions to
land from her Majesty's ships Blonde and Druid, under
your orders, the detachments of Royal Marines of the
ships Wellesley, Blenheim, Blonde, Druid, and Modeste,
and drive the enemy from the strong battery of lioo dang-
soo, you had previously engaged, I have the honour to
acquaint you, for the information ,if Rear-Admiral Sir
William Parke:, 1i.C.11., Commander-in-Chief, that, in
furtherance of that object, I landed with them on a
sandy beach to the right of the battery, and, after some
difficulty in climbing rocks and other impediments suc-
ceeded in gaining the ridge, and the flank of the Chinese
position.
The enemy, before we had gained the level, opposed us
courageously, attacking us with matchlocks, spears, and
stones; but we soon drove them before us, cleared the
battery, and dispersed them, the garrison retreating to
the rear, many of whom effected their escape by boats
on the beach of Amoy opposite. Several men were
killed in and about the battery. In following the retreat-
ing party (some of whom also were wounded) I made a
detour of this large and populous island, and discovered
at its western extremity a sandbag battery of nine guns.
and a few gingals • they were also loaded, but did not
appear to have Ceen recently discharged. No other
armed party of the enemy was fallen in with. I am
happy to add that in these operations no casualty hap-
pened to the detachment I have the honour to command;
moreover, I have great pride in reporting to you that all
the officers, non-commissioned officers, rank and file,
throughout the day conducted themselves, individually
as well'as collectively, with a courage, zeal, and perseve-
rance far beyond my power to express.
(Signed) , ...I -13- ELMS, Cal*, Royal f'
FIELD STATE OF BATTALION ROYA.A MARINES, ISLAND
KOO-LANG-SUO, uArineen or -AM &Y, APO. 27. 1841.
Sub. berg. Fifer. Rank and File. Total.
Wellesley... 1 ... 1 ... 0 - 42
Blenheim ... 2 ... 1 ... 0
Blonde 2 . . 2 . . 1
Druid

Modeste ... 0 ... 1 ... 0 15

Officers.
.•
• First Lieutenant Hewill Blonde
• First Lieutenant Maxwell
First Lieutenant Ussher Wellesley.
Lieutenant Whiting Blenheim.
Lieutenant Hamar - Blenheim.
Lieutenant Pickard Druid.
Lieutenant Polkinghorne
First Lieutenant Maxwell
Assistant-Surgeon Smith
Assistant-Surgeon Stanley Blonde.
(Signed) S. B. ELLIS,
Captain Royal Marines.
(Enclosure No. 3).
A return of killed and wounded on board her Majesty's
ships and vessels, and the Hon. East India Company's
steam-vessels. under the command of Rear-Admiral
Sir William Parker, K.C.8., in action with the batte-
ries and defences of the islands of Amoy and`Koo-lang-
soo, August 26, 1841 :—Blenheim.
Barlow.
Wellesley.—Wounded S. S. L. Crofton, mate, severely;
John Duncan, severely ; Henry Turner, boy first class,
severely, since dead.
Modeste.—Wounded—One slightly.
Bentinck.—Wounded—Charley Johnstone, ordinary,
dangerously.
Phlegethon (steamer).—Wounded—W. H. Ryves,
Acting Lieutenant India navy, severely.
Nemesis (steamer).—Wounded—Henry Steer, ar-
mourer,
(Signed) W. PARKER, Rear-Admiral.
Her Majesty's ship Wellesley, at Amoy, Aug. 27, 1841,
appointed by Commodore Sir J. J. Gordon Bremer.
(Enclosure No. 4.)
An account of damages sustained in the hulls, masts,
Re., of the squadron, under the command of Rear-Ad-
miral Sir W. Parker, K.C.8., in the attack of the de-
fences and batteries of Amoy, Aug. 26, 1841.
Wellesley—Four shot holes in ship's hull ; wizen
trysail badly wounded ; flying jibstay shot away ; star-
board foremast-swifter shot away ; -starboard foretop-
mast backstay ditto ; foresheet shdt away ; main royal
backstay shot away ; larboard fourth shroud of mizen
rigging shot away ; mizen top bowline shot away ; mizen
topgallant brace shot away ; jib three shot holes in it ;
main topsail two shot holes in it ; driver four shot holes
in it.
Bloode—thie sponge, - with rammer head and wad-
book one_ 3i. gun arnek one foretopmast
shroud shot a ; one topgallant lift shot away ; one
,topsail buntliWtio. ; lower stadding'hauls and span shot
away ; back .tive of spritsail sail gaff, do. ; maintop
iswAstriy, de. ; main sheet, de. ; ensign shot in
two places ; berthing of head shot away ; the wasteboard
of waste nettings blown away; foretopmast very slightly
struck.

Columbine.—One shut starboard quarter ; one in the
copper under the gangway ; one or two shots about the
flying jibboom gear.
Druid.—Foremast wounded by a shot eighteen feet
above the deck; foretopmast to below the cap ; foretop-
sail shot through in several places ; the standing and
running rigging much cut. _

, ..
Sesokris..-One six pounder in fore part of starboard
spomon ; foretupsail braces ; main throat hould block,
and foretrysail peak out haul cut through by shot.
Blenheim.-Cheeks of foremast starboard slightly
wounded ; cross jackyard larboard slightly splintered ;
main shroud, one shot away ; various running rigging,
do. (Signed.) W. PARKER, Rear-Admiral.
(Enclosure, No. 5.)
DIMENSIONS OF GUNS DESTROYED AUG. 30, 1841.
No. of Guns Length. Diameter. Remarks.
and Forts. ft. in. in. ths.
No. 1 Fort l.-6 10 4 0
-
-
-
-
-
No. 9.
-
-
- l O.-7 l0.-7 9 4 3
- ll.-7 9 4 5
No. 3. 12.-6 11 3 7
- 13.-7 9 4 5
- 14.-7 10 4 0 •
- 15.-7 0 3 9
- 16.-7 10........4 1
- 17.-S 10 5 3
No. 4. lB.-7 1 4 0
- - 19.-7 9 4 5
No. 5. 90.-7 3 3 6
No. 6, lower and .....21.-6 10 4 0 `"
- ............. ....22.-7 0 ...... 4 2
- 23.-7 3 4 1
"
- 24.-7 10 4 5
- 95.-7 0 4 5
No. 7. 96 -8 0 4 6
- 47.-6 7 4 2
- 28.-6 7 4 0
- 99 -6 9 4 0
- 30.-6 11 3 9
No. 8. 31.-7 10 4 8
32.-7 7 4 .5
..33.-7 0 5 7 Broken off.
..34.-9 0 5 0
35.-10 4 8 7
36.-9 10 5 9
37.-10 0 6 0
38. - Burst.
39.-9 4 7 2
No. 10. 40.-7 o 3 6
41.-7 0 3 8
42.-7 10 4 G
••• •
(Signed) JOHN FLETCHER, Commander.
Her Majesty's ship Wellesley, Aug. 30, 1841.
List of Chinese ordnance taken and destroyed on the
.eland of lioo-lank-soo :-
In No. 1, on the marine battery :-
86-pounders, iron 19ft. 10in. 1 gun
18 do. do.
14 do. do.
12 do. do. .

No. 9.

Total. l6 gunc
n No. 2 battery, opposite the suburbs of Amoy :
1 l-pounde-s, iron 7ll. Oin 3
9 do. do.

Total 10 guns
In No. 3 battery, south side of the island :-
34-pounders, iron 9ft. 6in 1
12 do. do.
9 do. do.
6 do. do.
7 do. do.
Gingals, -to 1 ... 14

Total 9:1 guns
Note.—ln this battery a subterranean magazine was
discovered. containing a vast quantity of powder, which
was utterly destroyed, as well as that discovered in the
other batteries, by being thrown into the sea.
(Signed) W. E. S. BAKER.
Lieutenant in charge of Artillery on the Island.
August 29, 1841.
In No. 4 buttery, short way to the right of the above—.
8 pounders, iron 7ft. 4in 3 guns.
In No. 5 battery, south-west extremity of the island
discovered on the 28th of August, 1841 :-
8 pounders, iron
gingals 8

In No. 6 battery, gluliottealnew, on the north!itest angle
of the Island :-
12-pounders, iron Eft. Oin .......... 1
9 do. do.
8 do. do.
6 do. (10.

Total ........................14 guns.
Urand total "6 guns.
Destroyed by the Modeste's boats on the town of
Amoy side, two batteries containing eleven guns, mak-
ing a total of 87.
Total number of guns destroyed by the light squadron
iin t'll—fa Captain.
on shojseignineat)he
,braititoeleAs asri3l
A List of her Majesty's Ships and Vessels, and of the
lion. East India
Company's Steam-vessels, in action
to"