Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1842-12-28


Penipotontary board towcd up the Marion heaqusr
ter ship, and the 9Th anchored oil Nankin; the
CORVALLIS having effected the passage the preceding
day The whole of the ships did reach the anchorage
of this city until the 9Th instant.
s. Previous to leaving Chin-kc3ngfoo anxious 10
the calamites upon assault, and
tion Of the of Tartar sedesucton, and universal
plumber by Chinese ubblc which had witnessed with
much horror that city, the admiral and myself had for
warded by the secretary of the Tartar general who fell
there, summons New kein vceroy of the Keang
provinces. Had the terms been accepted the fleet army
would have been dsposabc for the immediate prosecution
of active operations the army against Soochoo and Hang
chow while portion OF the fleet might have proceeded
blockade the Peho, and stop the trade in the Gulf of Pc
chcle.
g. Finding il unlikely that should gain object,
unless strong demonstration made and having
carefully reconnoitred the river line of dcfenccs of the
small steamers, the Admiral and made arrange
mens accordingly for such demonstration and for tho
sauli should neither be accepted negota-
the of the approach of the Imperial Commits
sones shall here beg leave give particulars of
this demonstration, conceive that the alarm which
gave rise fastened the event that desired.
L. Ii would not be easy give your lorship clear de-
scnpon of this city, rather of the space
compassed within its walls shall therefore, only observe
that the northern angle reaches within about 200 PAGES
of the river and that the miles
along the base of wooded heights rising Immediately be-
hind it, and is then continued for great distance upon low
ground having before deep canal which also extends
along the southern face, serving ditch 10 BOTH
There very large suburb the low ground in front of
the and south faces and the southeast angle the
Tartar city, which is separate fortress divided from the
Chinese town by high walls The face extends i'll
irregular line for miles, running towards the south
spur Chungshan, precpous mountain overlook
ing the whole country. the base of which commands the
In this face three gates; the northery
(he eshng) suppoachabe by paved road running be-
wooded hills within 500 PAGES of the walls whence
is carried along n cultivated fat the next (the Talpnc) is
within few hundred yards of the base OF Chunshan, and
that the south thc Chang yang) the Tartar city.
There is long line of unbroken wall between the Teshng
gate and the hardly approachable from and
low paddy land and the space between the Teshng and
TAPPING occupied by rather extensive lake The
neighborhood of these last mentioned gates closely
and udciously rccOnnoitred by LeuenantColonc Mont
gomerie and Captain Pears.
s. The report the amount troops in the city, which
is acknowledged contain million of inhabitants have
varied exceedingly am informed however, that the fugi
tves from Chinkeangoo have reached this place. ncreas-
ing the Tartar garrison about $780, including the adults
that nation resident in the city, who all trained
and perhaps the formidable opponents they fight
their families and their homes. The Chinese regulars
mount have believe, about 9000 besides the
militia. From the great extent the walls said TO be 20
miles in circumference although generally high
ade, from about 20 TO IS feet in the lowest pa and from
the canals suburbs, swamps and lake. in places diff
cult approach evident that could take the city
whenever pleased by threatening such slant points
prevent the concentration ola large opposing force the
very difficulties OF approach afordng the OF attaching
small parties with IMMUNITY diversions; but
well that the stand would be made the Tartar CITY
My force 500 effective fighting men: most of
the Europeans had been with since the commencement
of operations in China, and would well assured
place their colors unaded the walls whenever
a
second opportunity of emuatng their brother soldiers but
il great object avoid repetition of the horrors of
Chapo and Chn-Seang-oo and Sir William Parker and my
SELF were therefore anxious the effect OF demon
suat n.
9. Had active been called for the north angle
the only point against which the ships could act and
determined TO approach threaten the face in
whole ent, and the southeast angle The CORVALLIS,
Blonde and heavy steamers, accordingly placed po
son the first within LOCO PAGES of the Ifung gate with
her broadside bearing upon OF demi baston which
/ 10 Blonde. q The
deence OF that and bason in flank and the steamers
destroy the psrapet Of the wall either side the
point be preached. instructed Major General BARLEY
to enter the city at tins point with his brigade consisting
her MaJesys 18th and 49h and the 18th Madras Native
Infantry, amounting $500 men, supported by 900 Royal
Marines.
10. On the llh and following days the remainder Of the
force consisting OF Lord Saltouns brigade the flank CON-
panes OF the Chinkeangfoo ana the rifle cOmps
acLI Madras Native Infantry, together with troop
OF horse, and three companies Of foot artillery, with the
whole OF the light field and sappers landed at
r1raS IG miles s d1 sPs ase 9 gates e.
tabished the force anu about large village equdistan
from these and decided upon my line proceeding
in case We should be driven to active operaon-ths
threaten the flank gates making the real attack
night Of the Talpng gate, covered by the fire
OF the from the commanding slope OF the Chungshan
hills This point forced the Tartar CITY would virtually be
aken my guns introduced BY the Talpng gate could
Immediately be placed upon eminence perfectly COM
handing the inner wall and town. distance of hun
dred yards whilst the bulk of my force, by rapid advance
the Drumtower in the of the Chinese city, might
cut off the troops defending the north and from
the Tartar garrison
IL. have been circumsianta my lord in regard TO
my dispositions, in order show what could readily have
done, ably supported as am had my countrys interests
and trust cOuntry honor been equally maintained by
a mere demonstration On the l1h received the accom-.
panying letter for the suspension Of hostes from her
Maiesty's Plenpoenary, who will doubt fully report
upon the various circumstances and communications that
preceded the final happy result understand that full
powers the commissioners upon the Emperors
hearing of the fall Of Chinkeangoo and from their anxiety
TO pay the first nstament there be little apprehension
the EmperOrs refusing atify peace which is called for
by the general voice Of the country In the meantime
al the whole of the first insiament shall be paid nothing
shall be relaxed in Of preparation and precaution.
l2. To ms Excellency, Sir Henry PouingeT, much
indebted for his friendly readiness aid with every
formation in his power and for ms uniform fobearance from
all interference in the slightest degree with military opera
lions and movements But il is not for enlarge upon
the able public services Of this high functonary.
To Sir William Parker be permitted to saw that
cannot too strongly my Of obligation. We
have worked together for the cause and have
ever found him and the powerful which he pre-
Sides DESTROYS to meet my wishes and prompt and cordial
in every conIont undertaking.
10. IL IS my pleasing duty bring your lord
ships notice those gallant ocer and troops who through
out the active operations in China a warfare to the
British arms exposed instances 10 temptations of
ordinary kind assaed by sickness which in some cases
left but few effective in strong corps, and often sub
jected them 20 fatigue, under burning sum- have
in any instance check because their foes
few in number, devoid Of courage, slow hazard
life personal contact but because their science dis.
cplne and devotion made them irresistible.
From the officers commanding brgadcs and corps
from the general and my personal staff, have uniformly
received the most ready and energetic assistance and shall
beg hereafter 20 submit their names, with those Of the
vera officers whom have different occasiOns felt my.
self called upon mention. II will be a subject Of or.
binary qualification after life IT permitted to
feel that have been the happy means Of bringing to the