The Sun.
London, England, 1842-02-07 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1842

fort built on a lofty head-land jutting into the sea), and a
number of heavy batteries and outworks on each bank of the
estuary, that the Imperial Commissioner, Yukien, who had
come specially to defend it, and the other civil and military
Chinese authorities, appear, from their proclamations, to have
flattered themselves, even after their past and recent experi-
ence of the power of the British arms, that the place could not
be taken ; but they were, as on all previous occasions, speedily
undeceived ; and although the Chinese troops displayed consi-
derable bravery, and in many individual instances would
neither retreat nor surrender, though deserted by their officers
and comrades, the main bodies were driven from one rallying
spot to another, and at length routed and entirely dispersed,
whilst the fort and works were demolished or rendered utterly
untenable, by the overwhelming and beautiful practice of the
squadron.
It is reported that a great many of the Chinese officers of
rank have fallen, with a large number of men, but no precise
information has yet been obtained on this point. The Impe-
rial Commissioner is stated to have attempted to drown himself
immediately after the battle, and to have since died at a short
listance inland from the effects of that attempt, or some other
unexplained cause.
About 150 pieces of brass ordnance, exclusive of iron can-
non, many hundred ginjals anti wall pieces of various calibre,
and some thousand matchlocks and other warlike weapons were
captured ; besides which several extensive magazines of gun-
powder have been blown up or otherwise destroyed.
It affords her Majesty's Plenipotentiary the highest addi-
tional satisfaction to add, that this achievement has been hap-
pily effected with a much smaller loss on our skle than could
have been almost hoped for, there being only five killed and
about 30 wounded of all arms of her Majesty's forces.
, The necessary arrangements having been made, and recon-
aoissances had during the 11th and 12th instant, the squadron,
consisting of the Modeste, carrying the flag of his Excellency
the Admiral, Cruiser, Columbine, 13entinck, Queen steamer,
Sesostris, Nemesis, Phlegethon, carrying the troops, Marines,
and extra seamen from the ships left behind, moved on the 13th
up the river to Ningpo, which was found undefended, the Chi-
nese soldiers having positively refused to face our troops again,
in consequence of which the civil mandarins and all the military
officers fled from the city about Iwo hours before the squadron ,
reached it. The city was therefore peaceably occupied by the
troops under his Excellency Sir Hugh Gough, K. C. 8., and
the ships moored in the river within 100 yards of the wall.
God save the Queen.
Dated on board the steam frigate Queen, in the river Ningpo,
,his 15th day of October, 1841.
(Signed) HENRY POTTINGER,
Her Majesty's Plen
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.ip otentiary.
Macao, OcT. 15.—The Chinese are asking the high price
of 34 to 36 taels for new Congous. A few chops have been
weighed, but the prices left for after settlement. The new
teas are arriving in small quantities, which the Chinese say is
owing to the weather having been very dry for six weeks past,
and if we should not have rain soon the crops will be late in
reaching Canton. The purchasers there de not seem at all
anxious to buy at present prices. Very little is doing in im-
ports, and prices keep declining, except in cotton. Sales in
Bombay are daily making, and prices improving.
Two chops of new Congou have been settled for 34 to 35
taels, and the want of water in the rivers continued to prevent
the arrival of new teas, Offers of 480 Spanish dollars per pet u
are made for the best qualities of Tsatlee. Prices for the drug
have rather declined; they may be quoted, Patna 410 Spanish
dollars; Benares, 400 Spanish dollars ; Malwa, 370 Spanish
dollars ; and from these prices five Spanish dols. may be taken
when the payment is in sash and immediate, and not a barter. I