The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-07-05 00:00:00

CHINA,

Our news from China is to the 4th of April. The prepara-
tions for the defence by the Chinese of the river between
Wbampoa and Canton were still in progress, although now
nearly completed, and their officers were unremitting in their
exertions to practise their artillerymen in the use of great
guns.

Ningpo had been attacked on the 18th of March by a
Chinese force, estimated at from 10,000 to 12,000 men. They
were allowed to enter the town without opposition, but upon
reaching the market-place were attacked on all sides by our
troops, and instantly routed. About 250 are said to have
been left dead on the field, while on our side not a single
casualty took place. _

This-appears to have been only part of a concerted attack,
as at the same time fire-boats were launched against our
ships, and an attempt was made upon the garrison of Chin-
hae, but in each case with signal ill success.
Several skirmishes had also taken place along the coast,
but with no decisive result, although in each the enemy had
suffered considerable loss. More vigorous measures were,
it is said, in contemplation, and a movement to the north-
ward was intended upon the arrival of the expected reinforce-
ments.

Trade appears to have been carried on as usual, but, with
the exception of cotton, not upon remunerating prices. Bar-
ter was the only means of commercial intercourse.

The following official notification of the success of the Bri-
tish forces has been promulgated by her Majesty's plenipo-
tentiary :

" CIRCULAR.
TO HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S SUBJECTS IN CHINA

" Her Britannic Majesty's plenipotentiary in China has
great pleasure in announcing to her Majesty's subjects the
complete repulse of two bodies of Chinese troops, which at-
tacked the British positions at Ningpo and Chinhae, at day-
light on the morning of the 10th of last month.

-"
During the wale of February almost daily intelligence
reached the head-quarters of her Majesty's forces, showing
that the Chinese high authorities contemplated some active
operations; but they were from time to time deferred on such
frivolous pretences, that it appears their excellencies the
naval and military commanders-in-chief hove gone over to
Chusan, to make arrangements at that place preparatory to a
forward movement of a portion, at least, of leer Majesty's

combined forces

" In this state matters remained until the date and hour
above-mentioned, when a considerable body of Chinese, esti-
mated at from 10,000 to 12,000 men, advanced upon the
south and west gates of Ningyo, got over the walls, and pene-
trated to the market place, in the centre of the city, where
they were met by our troops, and instantly driven back with
great loss ; in fact, it would seem that the moment the Chi-
nese troops found themselves so warmly received, their sole
object was to get out of the city as fast as possible, and in
their retreat to the south gate, the field guns, drawn by po-
nies, came up and opened on the dense mass with grape and
cannister, at a distance of less than 100 yards. Above 250
dead bodies were found inside the walls, and when the ac-
counts came away, her Majesty's 49th regiment had not re-
turned from the pursuit of the discomfited and flying enemy.
" Whilst these operations were progressing on shore, a
namber of fire-boats (sampans), lashed together with chains,
were floated down the river, and were tossed into the mud
by the boats of the Sesostris steamer. In the meantime a
gun was brought down a lane in the eastern suburb (across
the river), and as the inhabitants had been previously
warned that any such attempt would bring chastisement
upon them. Her Majesty's ship Modeste opened her guns,
and did great execution in that quarter.
" The attack on Chinhae was much more feeble. The
enemy advanced to the north gate, where they were driven
off by the guard, and followed by one company (afterwards
reinforced by three others) of her Majesty's 55th Regiment,
who killed 30 men and two mandarins in the pursuit.

" Simultaneously with the attack on the city of Chinhae,
fire sampans chained together were set adrift to burn the
shipping at the anchorage, but they all went on shore above
the ships of war and merchant vessels, and did no sort of
harm.

" Shortly before these repulses occurred, the Nemesis
steamer was sent from Chusan to reconnoitre the island of
Taisam, where it was understood Chinese troops were col-
lecting with the purpose of attacking her Majesty's forces at
Tinghae. The steamer sent her boats into a creek, where
they were fired on, and in consequence Commander Collin-
son and Lieutenant Hall landed the steam-ship's company,
when the Chinese fled with the loss of about 30 killed and a
number wounded. The steamer's boats then set fire to a
number of junks which had also fired on her, and returned
to Chinhae.
" Their Excellencies the naval and military Commanders-
in-Chief had gone back to Ningpo, and proposed to follow
up the repulses the enemy had experienced by aative measures.
"It affords her Majesty's Plenipotentiary the highest
satisfaction to close the circular by stating that in these at-
tempts of the enemy, her Majesty's combined forces had not
lost a man.

" The latest intelligence from the head-quarters of the
Chinese army south of the Hangchow River speak of the
troops being in almost a state of insubordination, and in want
of supplies, &c. _

" The Emperor had ordered, that the provinces which are
the seat of the war should bear the expenses of it; and as
the inhabitants seemed resolved to make no further sacrifices,
there appears every probability of the army dissolving itself,
and becoming totally disorganized.
"'God save the Queen.
" HENRY POTTINGER,
" Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary.
" Dated at Macao, on the Ist day of April, 1842."
We subjoin another notification by his excellency, from
which it appears that the Chinese will be suffered to use
their own discretion in fortifying the banks of the river be-
tween Whampoa and Canton ; but if they venture to erect
new works below the former place, hostilities will be imme-
diately resumed :

"Government-house, Hongkong, March 22,1842.
" Gentlemen,—You are aware that some of the Hong
merchants lately paid a visit to Macao, and it is probably by
this time known to most of you that the object of that visit
was to find out whether the provincial government of Canton
would be allowed to rebuild the Bogue and other dismantled
forts, or to erect new ones on this side of the Whampoa
anchorage.

" Although I have of course declined having any sort of
intercourse with the Hong-merchants, I took advantage of
the kindness of a friend to let these individuals know in dis-
tinct terms, that orders had been long issued to prevent the
repair of the old, or the erection of any forts lower down than
Whampoa, and that the consequence of any attempt of the
sort would be the renewal of hostilities in the Canton river,
the stoppage of trade, and the consequent distress to the
province and city.
" I trust this warning will have the desired effect, and that
matters will be allowed to go on in their present tranquil
course; but 1 nevertheless think it my duty to acquaint you
with what has passed, as well as with my resolution, which
has been fully approved and confirmed by the experienced
judgment of the senior officer of Her Majesty's navy in
the Canton River; and in so doing so I would request you
individually and collectively to give the earliest possible no-
tice of any collecting of material, assemblage of workmen, or
other apparently defensive (though in reality offensive) pre-
parations that yourself or your agents may perceive on the
river below Whampoa. It is superfluous for me to observe
that the safety of the shipping and their crews at the anchor-
age imperatively demand every precaution and vigilance, and
1 feel assured you will cheerfully aid me in the manner I
have pointed out. " I am, gentlemen,

" Your most obedient and faithful servant,
" HENRY POTTINGER,
" Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary
The Mercantile Community of Hong
Kong, Macao, 8;9."

The following mercantile circular contains the latest com-
mercial news. It was written on the morning of the Ist
April, at which time the intelligence of the Chinese having
been repulsed in their attacks on Ningpo and Chinhae had
not transpired. The state of trade at Canton appears to have
improved, many sales having been effected during the latter
part of the month of march. Opium is still sold at very low
rates

" Macao, Ist April, 1842.
" We avail ourselves of the despatch of the Anonyma, for
Bombay, and Cowasjee Family, for Calcutta, to continue our
general advices from the 3d ultimo.

" Nothing has occurred to disturb the tranquillity which
has for some time past prevailed in this province, and trade
goes on as usual. At Canton a considerable business has
been done in cotton during the last ten days. Sales of Bom-
bay having been effected at 8 to 9 4, and of Bengal at 8 5 to
10.

Cotton manufactures exhibit a tendency to recover from
their late extreme depression, but no decided rise in prices
has yet taken place. _ _

Woollens continue without inquiry, and the near approach
of the hot season precludes the prospect of any early im-
provement.
We have no change to notice as regards tea. The season's
export from the Ist of November to the present date
amounts to 20,218„3101b. of black, and 3,723,7901 b. of green ;
total, 23,912,1001 b., and there are few shipments in pro-

gress.
Of raw silk the quantity which has yet reached Canton is
small, and held at exorbitantly high prices.
Freight to England is scarce at £4 10s. to £5.
We have r.o recent news from Amoy or Chusan. Sir H.
Pottinger remains here, waiting the arrival of the December
mail from England, daily expected.
The depression in our opium market continues. Malwa
is selling at 325 dollars to 330 dollars ; New Patna, 400 dole.;
and Benares at 390 dollars.
Our latest dates are from Bombay to the 15th, and Cal-
cutta to the 23d of January.