Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1854-07-07


nericans, under Capt. Kelly, accompanied
DIV Mr.. Murphy, u s. Consul and, several
volunteers, took the left ground with three
guns, while the right was occupied by the
British.
Amer the separation Of the forces, Capt.
kelly's command proceeded to the left until
the turn in the course was reached when
the Plymouth's field piece and the two vol
unteer howitzers we've placed in position in
front, and the force of marines and sailors
drawn up behind them. The force were
then in front and about two hundred yards
distant from the encampment Precisely
at the order was given, open fire, and the
three guns threw their shells with precision
into The camp, and after continuing the fire
for quarter of an hour, the nen became I'M
patient to be led to the assault, fearing the
English would get in first. Capt. Kelly &C
cordingly ordered the advance, and led by
him, Lieut.. Guest and Midshipman llaxton,
the marines and bue-iackets went forward
at quick step, while the guns we're ordered
to keep close in the rear to cover the party
from any assault on the left, where the I'm
perialists seemed in large force.
The party were stopped, however, by the
Yang .king-pang creek, which is not florida
Bile at high water, and when about fifty yards
from the encampment the lmperlalisls show
ed themselves above the breasiworks, and
delivered fire which would have done hon
or TO European arms. II was by tins hire
that those mentioned below were wounded
With a fire In front which could not be
returned with effect, and m impossible
ditch to cross, the party had no resource but
to fall back upon the field piece and howit-
ze-s, about fifty PAGES distant, which they
did, keeping up close fire OF musketry.
The writer continues:
Lieut.. Guest was then ordered TO make n
flank movement with the Plymouth's men,
and reach the camp under cover of the
mounds on the left, while the howitzers fired
grape from their position on the course,
which WINS still swept by the fire from the
camp. As stood by our gun | saw Mr.
Gray carried past, cheerful and smiling,
though with one pound ball through both
legs, and the left knee completely shattered.
The shot fell all about but the only person
hit was Capt Pearson. Of the Rose Standlsh,
who received ball IN the face while work
ing the gun to which he was attached.
Lieut. Guests party now reached the
mounds which commanded the camp, and
their fire Immediately put to flight tie I'M
pcralists, but being unable to cross the
ditch. the camp could not be entered unil
reached by the English, who having gal
lanty taken the position before them, fired
that which we had attacked without assis-
tnce.
Capt. Kelly now marched to the north end
OF The course. for the purpose of defending
the English on their return, who were obhg-
ed to march the whole length Of the Yang
klng-pang before they could regain the
course. The arrival was oppouune, tor the
Imperalists were advancing, but few well
directed shots put them to flight. The large
shot from the war iunks in the creek struck
near the troops, bat only few shots were
fired, aud the contest was over
The volunteers showed great composure
under the fire, and the Indifference of Capt.
Kelly and his officers. where nearly every
square foot had its bullet was much admir-
ed. Capt. Kelly has addressed a compli-
mentsry note to the volunteers, which they
appreciated the more from their experience
Of his own gallantry.
OF the men belonging to the u. $. sloop OF
war Plymouth, George McCorkle was killed
and four were wounded. Of the Shanghai
volunteers the following were wounded
J. Il. Brine, dangerously, if not MORALLY
Mr.. Griswod Gray, of New York, loss OF
thigh; Captain Pearson, american ship Rose
Standish, severely wounded. Total, Eng sll
and American, = killed aud fifteen wounded
Force engaged about 300
The following is from a private letter da-
ted Hong Kong, April %:
Mr.. Gray has had enc of his legs ampu-
t,toh 81 mi, vi
from II shot Capt. Pearson OF the ship Rose
Standlsh was shot 10 the mouth. His teeth
on the right side of his face are sand to have
saved his life; the shot tore them away, aud
spent It's force in SO dong"
The lmperialls,s appear TO have prohted
by the lesson administered by the foreign
ers, for, according to the Herald of April Il
they have since directed their attention &c
the rebels. In one OF their more recent sklr-
mishes the contending parties crossed the
boundary within the foreign lines, whei
"either from the Americans or small par
ty of our marines conveniently posted, they
were most impartally warned oil by a few
shot" his 1t appears the lnsurgent chic
took in good part for he immediately ISSUED
a proclamation cautlonng hs followers no
TO trespass within the foreign lines.
Tue lnperolsts had opened negotiation
for the release Of their captured fleet and O
the Admiral Poh.
A proclamation TO the Chinese, explana
tory Of the origin ana true intent OF th
measures recently taken against the dlsor
derby camps, was about 10 appear
Measures were being concerted for NOR
effective disposition Of the effective force
ofthe English aud Americans, SO as to plac
the foreign settlement IN position tor pei
F manent defence against any future attacks.