The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-11-13 00:00:00

PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE

BOMBAY, SEPT. 31J

—There is now much excitement in
mess for intelligence from Egypt,

eloechistan, fro& Affghanistan, and from China.
news from Egypt is of the highest interest, as there
.s that a war may be caused by Mehemet Ali, and that
munications through Egypt with Europe may be
1. This interest is increased by the fact that there are
ships of war moving about the entrance of the Red
th the intention, it is said, of taking possession of the
-dm port of Zehla.

lately a French ship of war, with the guns in
port of Aden, and holding communication with
the Asiatic arid African shores. Great suspicion
proceedings. It has not been lessened by the
e Dordogne, Captain_ Guillian, which ship ar-

ved here on the 2d instant from Muscat. After a stay of
) days Captain Guillian suddenly ordered all his guns to be
if he dreaded some obstacles in going out of the
d without firing a salute, set sail, as it is said, for
So sudden was his departure, that he left a
ar in the hands of a baker. It is believed, that
veral French ships expected on the Abyssinian
s captain has gone as quickly as possible to take
Zehla, a port which is described as commanding
into the Red Sea. Massuah is also spoken
of which the French wish to obtain pos-
s no British sfrip of war on the whole coast
earner Bercnice, which takes this mail, has

letter stated the capture of Khelat, the capital of
chistan, by the son, or rather the widow, of Mehrab
re last year. The former, in whose name
n carried on, is but a boy of twelve years.
le British political agent had last year placed
iusnud or throne made terms for himself, and sur-
f the town. Lieutenant Loveday, the British agent,
io commanded a small force there, was taken prisoner, and
s been removed to Moostung.

horn tt

of Kahun, the capital of one of the
3eloocbee tribes, has been besieged by the
ut Captain Browne, who commanded there, had
it with great gallantry. Major Clifford, of the
grenadiers, set out on the 12th of August from
i order to relieve Kahun. His detachment con-
-00 Sepoys, 250 Poonah horse, and 2 guns, having
1000 camels, besides bullocks laden with provisions,
n, &c. He passed with great difficulty through
of the mountains called the pass of Poolajee. On
t., on entering a defile where two men could with
Ity walk abreast, the road was found to be cut up ; two
flies were sent forward to clear the pass, over which
urrees and other Beloochees appeared in numbers and
Lp a brisk fire. The officers leading the companies were
and the sepoys fell back on the main body. The Be-
ts followed, and for some time a smart conflict was
lon man to man. The guns fired some rounds of
did great execution, but eventually they were
the British detachment retreated, leaving the
mmunition, and camels, in the hands of the
h four officers and two hundred and fifty men killed.
chees are said to have lost 200 men, but have gained
ity. The names of the officers killed are—Captain
Lieutenant Franklin, of the Ist, and Lieutenant R.
and Ensign Williams, of the 2d Grenadiers. Cap-
ington, of the former regiment, has died of fatigue.
Lock, of the cavalry, is wounded, but is expected
This disaster has produced a gloom, and great
fears for the safety of Kahun, notwithstanding the great gal-
lantry of Captain Browne, who it is said has seized 40 camels
laden with corn, which the Beloochees were taking by the
fort. The Bombay government is making every exertion to
send reinforcements to Beloochistan, and the steamers have
been busy during the whole of this week in taking troops to
Hnrrachee. It is expected there will be soon 10,000 men on
the Indus ready to commence operations against the moun-
taineers. It is, however, apprehended that the campaign
may be prolonged by other revolts, and that the conquest of
the savage robbers and wholesale plunderers of these zoun-
tainous districts will never be worth the blood and treasure

1, and t

us rencontre with the Murrees will it is feare
harpen the hatred of the Afghans toward
tnd bring on revolts in other places near th
tivity and energy of the British governme❑

it, tneretore, be very great in making effective arrange-
its to the northward. The fortifications of Herat have
i advanced considerably, but it is said that as Yar Ma-
' disposed to act perfidiously, and to sell it to the
a British force will be sent thither to insure its

Ltety. The best policy of the British government woul
trn now to be, as the Indian army must be increased, t
ake levies among, the Affghans and Beloochees, who ar
Ming soldiers, and the bravest races in India. They wont

tie rumours of an immediate war with the Nepaulese have
died away. The Supreme Government is, however, resolved
+? be prepared in case the Emperor of China should order
ssals of Nepaul to invade the British territory, and va-
have received orders to hold themselves in readi-
- towards those frontiers.

e last news ,from China is of the 3d of July. The firs
1 of the expedition arrived there on the 9th of June, anc
part of it on the 21st.
22d Sir J. J. Gordon Bremer issued a notice tha,

greater

i blockade of all the entrances of the river, and of the port
)f Canton, would commence on the 28th. A third attempt
was made by fire-rafts to burn the fleet, but the attempt was
neffectual. Parcels of tea were poisoned, in order to be sold
:o the sailors, but they were taken by prirates, who sold them
;co the Chinese on shore, and many died from drinking that
)everage. Captain Elliot has issued several notifications of
;rent importance. Having left several vessels to carry on an
:ffective blockade, the rest of the expedition set sail for the
iorthward, in order to take possession of the island of Chu-
an, not far from the mouth of the great river Yang-Tsen, on
vhich the southern capital of China (Nankin) is situate.
On the 28th Admiral Elliott arrived, and having commu-
Licated with the Portuguese governor of Macao, with whom
riendly arrangements continue, took Captain Elliott on
oard, and proceeded to join the expedition. Captain Elliott
as given notice, to the Chinese inhabitants of the sea coast
hat their persons and property will be respected, and that
he conduct of Lin shall be made known to the emperor.
'he Chinese government has issued a proclamation, offering
mards.for the capture and destruction of the British ships
f war, and of each British subject. _ _

Lie preparations continue for the campaign in
The governor, Sir J. ft. Carnac, Bart., h
oonah to Khandallah, a short distance from

r. In order to produce no delay by his absence,
4eneral Sir T. Wilshire, Bart., goes to Europe by
mer. The monsoon has been favourable, and the
in in most districts is considered to secure an abun-

a Emma Roberts died at Poonah on the lith instant

OCT. 1

—The departure of the steamer was postponed for
24 hours in consequence of the non-arrival of the last over-
land mails and the government express from Calcutta, but,
they have come in, the steamer will positively start this

The latest vows from Singapore is to the 13th of August ;
Lt contains nothing remarkable. I send you the Free Press
)f that date.

The steamer Hugh Lindsay arrived this morning from
irachee. The rnmour of an approaching revolt in Aff-
anistan had been current, •but 1 know not on what

:overnment bills on the supreme court of Calcutta

'Arrived.-9th instant, her Majesty's ship Alligator, 28,
Kuper, captain ; 16th, Hon. Company's armed steamer
Madagascar, Captain Dicey ; 21st, her Britannic Majesty's
ships Wellesley, 74 guns, (;apt. T. Maitland, bearing the
broad pennant of Commodore Sir J. J. Gordon Bremer ;
Cruiser, 16, Mr. H. W. Giffard commander ; Algerine, 10,
Mr. T. S. Mason commander ; and Rattlesnake troop-ship,
Mr. Brodie commander • Hon. East India Company's
steamers, Queen, Captain Warden ; Atalanta, Capt. Rogers,
and with the transports, Blundell, Trail; David Malcolm,
Malcolm; Defiance, Evatt ; Eagle; Edmonstone, Macdou-
gal ; Ernaad, Hill ; Indian Oak, Rayne ; Isabella Robert-
son, Cole; John Adams, Eales ; Medusa, Purdie ; Mermaid,
Sedgwick ; Rahomany, Landers ; Rustomjee Cowasjee, Gal-
lie ; Stalkart, Dixon ; Snlimany, Macfarlane ; Victoria,
Potter; William Wilson, Hawkins, from Singapore, 22;
her Majesty's ship Conway, 28th, .D. Bethune, captain ;
Larne, 20, Captain J. P. Blake, with transports; Elizabeth
Ainslie, Lyster ; Futtach Salem, Gillet; Mahomed Schah,
Ovenstone, from Singapore, 11th instant.
The above list of arrivals in the Chinese waters has refer-
ence * the most important event that has ever been our
fortune to record in the pages of the Canton Register—the
presence of an armed British force in the Chinese empire,
to enforce reparation for injuries done to British subjects,
and the restitution of spoliated British property.
•

The first arrival of this armament was her Majesty's ship
Alligator, on the 28th, Captain Kuper, between 2 and 3
o'clock, a. m., on the 9th instant, in the Capsingmoon, at the
very moment that the Chinese officers had sent in about 18
fire-rafts, constructed of old outside fishing-boats and some
cargo boats, chained together two and two, and filled with
combustible matter of all descriptions, to burn the British

The fleet did not suffer any damage from these rafts, set
adrift before the wind and tide, and they were speedily
towed on shore by the boats of the squadron.

Thus, at the very instant of his'arrival, Captain Kuper
found his countrymen and the Chinese engaged in hostilities.
We may here repeat, that previous to this third attempt
to burn the English(fleet, the Chinese government had sent a
boat-load of poisoned tea, packed in small parcels, to be sold
to the sailors ; this nefarious attempt, it is reported, was
thus discovered. The boat was captured by pirates, who sold
her cargo to their fellow-countrymen. Many deaths followed
the use of the poisoned tea, so many, indeed, that it is said
the attention of the district magistrates was drawn to the
circumstances.

The Allegator brought the overland mail of the 4th of
March, and was followed by the Hon. East India Company's
armed steamer Madagascar, Captain Dicey, which vessels
arrived on the 16th inst. On the 15th and 20th her Ma-
jesty's ship Alligator and the Hon. East India Company's
steamer Madagascar respectively anchored in the roads, and
saluted the city of Macao with 19 guns, which on both occa-
sions was immediately returned by the Franciscan Fort.

Her Majesty's ship of the line, Wellesley, bearing the
broad pennant of Commodore Sir James John Gordon
Bremer, Knight, C. 8., K.C.H., Commander-in-Chief on
the India station, arrived last Sunday, the 12th inst., with
her Majesty's ships Cruiser, Algerine, Rattlesnake (troop-
ship), the East India Company's armed steamers the Queen
and Atalanta, and 18 sail of transports in company, having
on board her Majesty's 49th, 26th (Cameronians), 18th
(Royal Irish), the Sepoy volunteers from Calcutta, and a de-
tachment of sappers and miners from Madras. We are happy
to report that the troops have arrived in the highest condition
of health and spirits, under the command of Col. Burrell.
On Monday evening two of the squadron, with some of
the transports, proceeded to the northward; and this morn-
ing her Britannic Majesty's ship Wellesley, with the rest of
the squadron, except those hereafter mentioned, stood to the
southward to join the transports said to be outside, after
which junction the whole squadron and transports will pro-
ceed to the northward.

Her Majesty's ships Druid, Volage, Hyacinth, Larne, and
the Hon. Company's armed steamer Madagascar, remain to
enforce the blockade of the river and port of Canton by all
its entrances, which blockade is to be established under the
strictest form on Sunday next, the 28th. instant.

Two transports, with troops, are also left under the com-
mand of the senior officer, probably with a view of protect-
ing this settlement, or to ulterior operations in this pro"vince
on the arrival of Adml. Elliott.—Canton Register, June 25.
The point of destination to the northward we know not;
we have not authority on which we can raise even a surmise;
the movement may have been made merely for the purpose
of gaining a higher latitude, and placing the fleet beyond the
range of typhoons ; but we fervently hope the object of the
expedition is to take possession of Tinghae district, in the
province of Chekeang—in other words, of the island of Chu-
sun; and, with the overpowering force that has already sail-
ed, we think this object could be attained without spilling a
drop of blood. This island bears nearly the same relation
to the province of Chekeang, as the Isle of Wight does to
Hampshire. In possession of this fair, fertile, and populous
spot as head-quarters, and the military possession of this
district would be a severe blow to the Imperial Government,
for part of the celestial territory would then be in the hands
of strangers ; thence a mission might be sent to the Pei-ho,
or north river, which is navigable for large boats up to the
city of Tungchowfoo, 12 miles east by south from Pekin.
We have little doubt that should a mission be sent, as a po-
litic and friendly preliminary proceeding becoming a civilised
nation and the high standing of England, it will fail. No
answer will be given, much less positive and satisfactory
answers. It will be ordered away, her Majesty's ships will
be ordered to leave the Chinese waters, and the British
troops to evacuate Tinghae ; then the imperial dragon may
deign to give an answer—but not till then. In the then
emergency it rests with the Commanders-in-chief to adopt
such measures as to compass the objects of the expedition—
which are to obtain reparation for the insults and injuries
offered to her Majesty's superintendent and her Majesty's
subjects by the Chinese Government; and, in the second
place, they were to obtain for the merchants trading with
China an indemnification for the loss of their property, in-
curred by threats of violence offered by persons under the
direction of the Chinese Government ; and, in the last place,
they kere to obtain a certain security that persons and pro-
perty in future trading with China shall be protected from
insult or injury, and that their trade and commerce be main-
tained upon a proper footing.

ATTEMPT TO BURN THE BRITISH FLEET AT

CAPSINGMOON

•
The delay in the issue of the Register gives us the oppor-
tunity of publishing the following account of another abortive
attempt to burn the British shipping at Capsingmoon, made
early on Tuesday morning.
The first alarm was given about 2 a.m. on Tuesday. A
noise was heard from amongst the small Chinese boats in-
shore. It appeared, on subsequent inquiry, that some man-
darin boats had got in amongst them, for the purpose of
making captures. They attacked the cutter Devil, and
wounded the Lascars on board. Immediately after distant

lights appeared in the direction of the passage of the Cap-
singmoon, called the Flood Gates ; and the commanding offi-
cer of the Danish King fired a gun and hoisted the signal
previously ordered by the senior officer of her Majesty's ships
for fire rafts ; and instantly almost the fire burst forth from
at least 15 tire boats. The appearance was very beautiful.
The wind and tide were then favourable for their course. As
they approached they blew up like some beautiful works,
what in English pyrotechnical science would be called a
flower pot. The beauties of the sight, however, did not dis-
sipate the alarm felt by those on board the ships, who were
also fearful there might be other crafty schemes in progress,
and that they might be attacked from other quarters ; con-
sequently most of the ships slipped their cables, and moved
out of danger, each more anxious than his neighbour to get
into the rear. The scene and danger caused great excite-
ment ; the night was very dark, the wind slackened, and so
many vessels being under weigh at once in a small space,
caused great confusion, and many consequently came in con-
tact, but we have not heard of any serious damage.
The boats of the squadron were actively employed towing
the rafts clear of the shipping, and anchoring others.
The junks were first turned adrift chained together two and

two ; nine of these rafts were counted, which gives eighteen
boats. But it was ascertained that some had not ignited,
and some had exploded, the wrecks being seen floating about
the bay the next morning.

On examination, the fire rafts were found to be constructed
of what had been very old fighting-boats ; what remains of
them will supply the fleet with firewood for a month. They
were full of dross, the remains of the combnstible matter.
An anecdote of the gallantry and humanity of one of the
officers of the Mavis deserves recording.
The mandarins had seized upon two Chinese who were in
the habit of attending the shipping, and were conveying them
over the hills, no doubt for punishment, probably death. The
officer of the Mavis, with a party of Malay sailors, landed and
pursued them ; their muskets missedifire, but they charged
the Chinese, barrel in hand, beat them back right and left
with the butt ends, and put them to flight, released the two
prisoners, and brought them safely down to the beach. Th
interest of the scene was greatly heightened by the arrival of
her majesty's ship Alligator ; the light of the flaming rafts
guiding her to the anchorage. This apropos arrival will rather
damp the future enterprise of the subordinate Chinese naval
officers.

Our correspondent suggests that the men-of-war should
)e stationed at the different entrances of the Capsingmoon,
nstead of being all anchored together.
The arrival of the Brigand at Calcutta has put us in pos-
iession of advices from China to the 3d July. Admiral Elliot
irrived in the Melville on the 28th June, and sailed again for
he northward on the 30th, accompanied by Capt. Elliot, who
s to act as plenipotentiary.
The following is an extract from a letter dated Macao, the
Id of July :

S
" It is now beyond a doubt that we intend to take and
'ortify the island of Chusan, and I expect, in little more than
mouth, to hear of the British flag being hoisted there.—
::aptain Elliott, his secretary, and three interpreters have
;one up. I believe the blockading of the rivers has caused
great sensation in Canton. All the Americans are prepa-
ing to leave. I do not think that the fleet will interfere in
ny way with the opium vessels. Indeed, it is likely that
heir operations may facilitate that trade, as the men of war
anks will be afraid to come out."

"OFF MACAO, June 23.—We arrived here yesterday;
Wellesley, Cruiser, Algerines and transports with 26th
Queen's Regiment, head-quarters and part of the 18th Regt.
Irish (the remainder being at Singapore may be expected in a
few days), the Native Volunteers, and Madras Artillery. It
is expected the following will leave to-morrow for Chusan,—
Wellesley, Conway, Volage, Larne, Cruiser, Alligator, Alge-
rine, her Majesty s schooner Hebe, and the Hon. Company's
steam-vessels Queen, Atalanta, and Madagascar, transports
and troops. The Enterprise steamer may be looked for in a
few days from Singapore, with Mr. Maddock's, Company's
agent, on board. It is stated nothing will be done at the
Bogue until the arrival of Admiral Elliott and squadron from

En-gland, &c. A Clepilt is to be formed at Chusan, probably
preparatory to an attack upon Pekin. The Larne brought
on the March overland men from the Enterprise, at Singa-
pore. The transports are kept outside and amongst the
islands, not to disturb the nerves of our old friend Lin. The
squadron and troops are in good health generally speaking,
and most anxious for some amusement on shore.
' Macao, June 18.—Several vessels being under despatch,
we will avail ourselves of the opportunity to continue our
usual advices.

" Business at Canton has gone on quietly since our last,
though to a limited extent, owing to the scarcity of teas, and
to the languid state of the market for imports, caused by the
general belief of the Chinese that there was no truth in the
report of hostilities being about to take place. The late ar-
rival, however, of Her Majesty's ship Alligator and steamer
Madagascar, with accounts of the fleet having left Singapore,
will, no doubt, tend to remove this delusion ; and we think
in a week more nearly all outstanding affairs at Canton will
brought to a close, though some Americans speak of still re-
maining there.

time must
oPsotlitniocawl mbeatteelorsseweathhavaendnowicebnante to notice. The
e eirasures to be
adopted against the Chinese will be 'devetl
~:Initieisßgoegnueer-
ally believed that forces will not go furtheorpthail
ot2 5
forts, and that Canton will not be molested. ensiteeado s
of attemptbi
was ately made to burn the shipping
junks, most of which were captured without doing anya
Preparations are said to be in progress for repeating an njury
at-
tack of the same description.
" The Heroine, Manila, Mary Elizabeth, and William
Barras are the only ships loading for England, and tonnage
to considerable extent is much wanted.
" Exchange with England continues at about 5 to 4 104 at
6 months' sight.
" Captain Elliot has announced his being authorised to
draw on the government of India, and has invited tenders
but we have not heard of any transactions. It is believed his
rate will be about 218 per 100 at 30 days' sight.
P.S. June 24, 1840.—Since writing to you on the 18th
instant, the first division of the fleet to act against China has
arrived ; but, contrary to the general hope and expectation,
has to-day departed for the north without doing anything in
this neighbourhood. The Commander-in-Chief has intimated

" The export of tea to England since the Ist of October
last amounted to 24,126,5591 b., to which must be added about
1,500,000 lb. sent to Singapore for transhipment.
" The export of silk amounts to 2,403 bales, and a good
deal stored outside, waiting an opportunity for England."
From this last letter will be seen the whole export of teas
from Chiva for England, and, considering our present posi-
tion with the Chinese, it is hardly to be expected that any
further quantity of tea will be shipped for Great Britain for
some time to come. Should the Emperor refuse to enter
upon negociations with Admiral Elliot, it is impossible to
foresee for how long a time the trade with China may be
stopped.

We hear that the new Chinese man-of-war, Chesapeake,
late Cambridge, has been stationed at the first bar, as like-
wise a number of junks laden with granite ready for sinking
to stop up the passage. It has also been said, though we do
not believe it, that the Chesapeake has been ordered to the
Bogue to act against her Majesty's ships, should they at-
tempt entering. We know not what her armament may be,
but with a view probably of giving her an imposing appear-
ance, she has been painted blood-red all over, whilst the
two cutters (of 25 tons each) lately built for the imperial
navy challenge respect by a coating of imperial yellow. We
understand that the vessels now at Whampoa (there were on
the 12th inst. only five American and seven Spaniards) will
probably remove to the second bar so as not to be inconve-
nienced by the blocking up of the river, should this be
deemed necessary, at least a petition to that effect has, we
are told, been presented to the Canton authorities.
There are symptoms of the Provincial Government be-
ginning to be alarmed, and several emissaries have during
the week arrived at Macao to pick up what news they can
regarding the English preparations; it is also said that the
Hong merchants are about to visit Macao in a month or two,
no doubt ordered to enter on negotiations, but we sincerely
hope that access will be denied them to the ear of her Ma-
jesty's superintendent, or to any other of her Majesty's
officers.—Bombay Courier.