New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-02-17
THE AMERICANS AT CANTON.

Admiral Seymour sends to the Admiralty dispatch
dated at Canton Dec. H. from which we take the FOL.
lowing statement with reference to the operations -
the American naval forces:
"On the e5th the United States Commissioner u.
formed American citizens that the Imperial High Cea-
missioner having failed to render satsiacuon Tor ne
recent ins ult to their ag, Commodore Armstrong would
not desst from aggressive measures tall ample apology
should be made, and guaranty given that the Amer
lean flag should be respected for the future.
The Commodore determined on the demolitea q
the Barrier Forts the capture of which have already
reported, and commenced blowing them up.
" In the afternoon OF the same day thirty seveu war
iunks ssued from creek, and anchored in Line about
four miles from the Encounter In sboa water. Capt.
OCallaghan endeavored to get within range Of them
the following day but without effect The Chinese
fred several shots, which fell short Thee jnks have
since retired"
The Correspondent of The London Tines writes
fom Hong Kong on Dec. Is, as follows:
"On the 18th of November Capt. Foote ofthe United
States ship Portsmouth on his way from Whampea
to Canton in the ships pinnsce, for the purpose Of with
drawing the American Marines stationed In the foreign
factories when in passing the Barrier Forts tho bose
was fired az by the Chinese, and obliged 10 put back -
Wbampoa not outstanding the American flag was fly
ing at the time. and also waved from the boat -
that there might be no mistake. The American men
of war Portsmouth and Levant Immediately moved uP
the river end bombarded the forts, which the Chinese
defended bravely replying with well directed fire.
killing two men and wounding others, and doing son6
wrote to the Viceroy demanding apology within -
bous The reply being unsatisfactory, the Americans
at proceeded to take the forts, which they have
stree destroyed La this service several lives wero lost
Since this took place Yeh has written to the Americas
authorities to say that their fsg shs be respected.
AT that it was entirely mistake which led to the lato
misunderstanding. There are yet ore or two small
points at issue but We understand that the American
will accept this apology and withdraw from Canton
The following letters are published:
gT
"United States Fngste San Jancinto.
"WHANPoA, Nov. 5, 1855
Sir: His ExcelleDcy Yeh, Imperial Commissioser
and GoveInor.G General having failed to render the
satisfaction d. and demanded for the recent insult -
the United States flag by the Barrier Forts CommO-
dore James Armstrong, Commander. In Chief Of tho
naval forces Of the United States in China ac., con-
PEELED by a serse of public duty, will not dessf fro0
The measures which the policy Of the Imperial Con-
missioner imposes upon him TIL he apologies for tho
outrage On the flag, and guarantees FOR It's proper re-
spect in future obtained You will therefore notify
to the citizens of the United States at Canton accord
ipgy. Respectfully, @c
30. Fl. PRAY, Esq, United States Consul, Canton"
"LEGAIIoE OF THE UsITrD SrArEs,S
"MAcAO, Dec. 8, 1856.
"SrR: A dispatch from Commodore James Arm
strong Of this days date informs that on the 9Th
instant the demolition Of the Barrier Forts was COM
pleted and the ships had returned 10 the anchorage Is
Whampoa, and In a few days the damage 70 the vee-
sells would be repaired. Incoslng me copies OF hD
correspondence with the Imperial Commissioner, h0
observes Here presume it will end, and 30 long -
he, the Imperial Commissioner, does not commit any
act of violence against dag or citizens We shall
rest upon our srms.' His Excelency Yeh, 10 dis
patch Of the 9TH inst writes Commodore Arnstrongs
From this see your Excellency has clear kpowf-
edge Of sffairs-tbere matter Of strife betwee1
our respective nations. Hencefoh let the fashion OF
the flag which American ships employ be clearly
defined, and inform what 1t is beforehand. This
will be the verfcston Of the friendly relations which
exist between the two countries
have this day resumed correspondence with The
Imperial Commissioner demanding attention 10 various
important subjects which have chosen 10 place in
sbeysnce pending the adjustment Of the naval ques.
iion among them other instances in which the flag Of
the United Ss'es has been fred on BY the Chinese and
the rights Of the United States citizens under treaty.
have been brought to his ExceIencys notice who has
been informed that failing TO render the sstisfscoe
demanded for the violation Of the treaty by The fo OF
Kiang Shan that matter will also be handed over 70
he Coumander-in Chief Of the United STATES naval
orces in China to manage.
" This brief expose Of the present state Of our rels
ons to the Chinese Government at your port you arc
authorized TO communicate for the informs tOo Of tho
United States citizens within your consular jurisdiction.
Respectfully, ke, PETER PAkKEk.
90 H. PEaRY esq, linked States Consel Canton"