New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-03-31
THE AMERICANS IN CHINA.
of The n. Y. Tribune.

WHAMPOA Nov. a. 1856.
When Commodore Armstrong arrived in the San
Jacnto at Hong Kong, from Shanghae on the Sch
of November, he found hostile relations existing
between the British authorities and Yeh (pro-
nounced Yek), the Imperial Commissioner and
Governor Of Canton. The question had become
concentrated on one pSnt-the night Of the British
and all other foreign functonaries to have an inter-
view with Yeh within the city, and not through
indirect and subordinate channels. This demand
the Imperial Commissioner contemptuously and
per.inaciously denies. TIE Brituh had cannonaded,
as we'll as they could ascertain the locality, the
Governors residence and other public buildings.
The United States ships Portsmouth and Levant
being here at the commencement Of the difficulties,
had very judciOusly sent force to Canton to pro-
tect the American Consulate and American citi-
gems. This force was under the direction of
most intelligent and judiciOus officer, COmman Ter
FoOte, who did all in his power TO confne the
force to Its Legitimate purpose, and in no
Way 10 compromise our neutrality. But, un.
doubtedy, there were unauthorized acts of
individuals of which the Chinese authorities
might complain. Such was the condition of things
when the San Jacnto ran up to Whampoa on the
18th, the nearest point to Canton she could reach
The French had also placed force in the French
Consulate On the day after this the Commodore
determined TO withdraw all our force from Canton
for fear Of compromising our neutrality, but to
leave sl of the ships OF the city as refuge for our
citizens in case of sack. On Saturday, the 18th
November. Commander Foote was pulling up 70
Canton in a small boat, in which were Mr.. Sturgiss
an American merchant Of Canton, and an Amer.
lean missionary BY the name of Macy; when of
strong position defended by four granite forts, with
walls twelve feet thick the boat was fired upon by
the forts with both round and grape shot, although
the boat carried the IT, s. flag, and it waved TO-
ward the fort 10 attract attention. Commander FOote
returned TO the San Jacnto and reported the trans
action. Early on the following morning Lieut.
Williamson was sent to sound out the channel 10
the forts This boat was also fired upon, and the
head of the coxsw ain, Ed. Mullen, carried AWAY
by a round shot. Two small merchant steamers
were employed TO tow the Levant and Portsmouth
up TO the forts. The Commodore, accompanied by
his Secretary, Mr.. Van Den Heufel, and Surgeon
Wood, went aboard the Portsmouth. The Ports
mouth was run up close under the largest fort on
the left bark of the river, when the steamer cast
her off, and before Der anchor vas let CO. the forts
opened upon her with round and grape, and from
tist time until dark constant fire Was kept no
between the forts and the ship. The Levant, un-
fortunately grounded about mile below, and
could rot get into the action. During the CO.
rsqement the Portsmouth lost her position, and
swung round. with her stern toward the nearest
fort. While in this position 3-pound sho: came
in At the cabin, carrying away the right arm and
otherwise seriously woundDg marine It was ex
peeied that the forts would resume firing q. aay-
light and ~ sight was spent IN getting he chips