The Sierra citizen., 1854-03-25
China.

San Francisco, March 9th, in So days from
China, bringing dates from Hongkong to
goth December The siege of Shanghae
still continued but "the imperialists ex-
hibited such contemplate front, that
even those who, up to recent period, en-
tertained some hopes for reversion to
the old order Of things, are changing sides;
and sympathy with the Rebel Triads, low
and unworthy in department though they
appear to be, is becoming the fashion
among all classes"
cit was rumored at Shanghae that the
Rebels who evacuated Annoy had pro-
ceeded to and captured Fuh-chow, but
there was no truth in their having gone
there at ALL indeed, the report, to any one
remembering the large body of Tartar
troops stationed there, bore on its face the
stamp of improbability."
"GREAT DESTRUCTION OF THE PIRATE
FLEETS BY THE HERMEs-SHARP FIGHT
ING.-The British ship-ofwar Hermes
reached Annoy on the 18th December, and
reported having had several engagements
with the numerous piratical vessels on the
coast. The Hermes had started out Of
Annoy on the Oath Of Nov in consequence
of intelligence having been received that
the English brig Fortuna and the Portu-
guese Lorcha No. 20 had been captured
by the pirates. On the 25th the Hermes
discovered % pirate junks near village.
AS the Hermes' boats neared the beach
they were fired Oh by the pirates, num-
bering body Of 800 we'll armed men,
After little sharp fighting on both sides,
the pirates retreated and the English took
possession of the junks-l9 Of which were
found to be heavily armed with guns and
spears, and large quantities of powder, ball
and stinkpots. All these vessels were set
fire to, and from the loudness of the re-
ports, the quantity Of powder on board
must have been enormous. Next morning
the lIermes moved further up the bay,
making for an inlet where were seen a
good many junks' mast heads. Before
reaching them, a boat rowed alongside
with two Portuguese, one of them master
of the Portuguese Lorcha No. 20, which
he said had just been plundered by the
villagers, headed by the Mandarin of the
place. They have succeeded in recapturing
her from the pirates who first took her.
The English landed-the Mandarin
fied-the doors of his house were broken
down, and within was found a part of the
Lorcha's cargo. Capt. Fishbourne of the
Hermcs, then directed large junk lying
off the Mandarin's house to be set on fire.
Just as this was effected about five hun
dred men rushed out of the walled village
with hideous yell, and at once opened
fire upon the Hermes party from gingalls
and matchlocks, but precautions had been
taken to prevent surprise; party being
drawn up ready to salute them, which was
done most etfectually, aided by q few shot
and shell from the ship, one Of which
pitched into the Mandarins house, and
soon silenced them. The junk was then
burnt. Next morning another large
pirate junk, heavily armed, was discovered,
run on shore and burnt. On the next af-
ternoon, Nov. 20th, the Hermes chased
and destroyed three more pirate junks.
On the morning of Dec. lst, the Hermes
came upon eight more pirate vessels under
sail in Tokako Bay. 1t was then blowing
a heavy gale and a very heavy sea running,
but the Hermes opened fire On them, at
first with but little effect owing to the
rolling and pitching motion of the ship
The iunks then formed into two divisions,
and it was intended to show fight, but on
the Hermes nearing them, four made run
for it, endeavoring to weather Tokapo
point. Although they were admirably ma
nGuvered, the Hermes piled them well
with shot and hemmed them in so that
were admirably fitted. One had four "a
Founders, quite new, one long l8 and three
twelve Founders, all new English guns and
carriages, with all the new improvements,
elevating screws, compressors and disparts,
with English flannel cartridges, case, grape
and round shot, and had the weather been
fine they would no doubt have given the
Hermes hard tug.
The prisoners afterwards said they in
tended to fight, but the sea was so heavy
they could not cast their gnns loose
Four of the feet eventually escaped
Such Chinese private vessels, so well fitted
up and efficiently found-was never before
found, was never before seen. On the Sd
of December two more were secured, and
six burnt after hard fight with the pirates
and the villagers on shore. They were
all well armed with new gnns, well noun
ted, and were indeed most formidable
squadron, capable Of doing much mischief.
Thus, in 10 days, one vessel completely
demolished formidable feet OF 40 junks,
manned with 1900 men and carrying l55
guns, 48 of which were IL Founders and
I eighteen FOUNDERS
"Oh father, did you know that Uncle
James has put his leg out?'
Heavens! my son, get my hat and cane
instantly
oh, you needn't worry Governor, ht