New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-02-09
CHINA.
TIE PREPARATIONS AGAINST CANTON
PROGRESS OF TIE REBELS-AMER-
ICAN SHIPS IN THE COOIIE TRADE.

From Our Own Correspondent
Hone KONG, Nov. &c, 1851.
1t is perhaps fortunate that the decisive attack
upon Canton has been delayed until the accredited
representatives. Of all the chief powers interested
are present, and each sustained by some show of
naval force.
The Hon. Mr. Reed arrived on the 'th inst, and
the Russian Embsssador the Count Putistinc,
shortly after. The latter has succeeded no better
than his brother ambassadors, he not having been
allowed access to the Imperial city. We hear that
ere long be is also to be backed by powerful fleet.
The second detachment of the guu-boat hotilla from
England has safely arriyed-with fhe exception of
two boats which put into Singapore. The whole
feet of them (called the Mosquito feet numbers
about thirty. In all there cannot he less than GO
or 20 vessels of all kinds-most of them steamers.
The Impsrador arrived about three weeks since,
bringing $50 marines; the Imperatrix came in
week after, with 500mOre. Sundry troop-ships have
also made their appearance, and to-day the Prin-
cess Charlotte, threedecker, brings 500 additional
marines. On the Goth and 2lst, the main body OF
the English feet moved up the river toward Can
ton, taking large landing force of marines and ar
tillery. There are now about 1000 men who Can
be landed without detrment 10 the efficiency Of the
feet.
A proclamation has been printed 10 Chinese
character the contents of which are not public but
from one cOnyersant with the matter, | learn that
It's intent is TO warn all well-dsp0sed Chinese to
leave the city within certain time and take their
property with them so far a. il can be done.
Whatever may be said Of the war, il must be ad-
mtted that Admiral Seymour has, in all its history,
shown himself merciiI as well prompt; and il is
to be hoped that this proclamation will afford the
means of escape to many, and cause the devastation
to fall upon those who deserve il.
From al officer of the feet, | learn that in the
course of two days the gun-bOat fOtilla will take
position encircng the water front of the city, at
distance of five hundred or six hundred yards each
from the other Then the proclamation will BE-
freely circulated within the city and the prescribed
time be allowed TO elspse.
If no proposals for peaceable surrender are
received in the time, there will open upon the
devoted city such q storm of rockets shot and
shell 40 never entered the heart of Chinaman 10
conceive. Each of the gun-boats carries one ten
inch she-gun aft, and one thirty-two-pouuder for.
ward; aud as the crews are picked men and we'll
trained at the guns, their fire is both rapid aud
effective Most Of the larger steamers csn also take
up position within shcll-raDge and viii take part in
the bOmbardment.
That the French forces will cooperate with the
u
equally understood that this cooperation will not
extend to combined attack upon the city. Half
The moral effect of the capture would be destroyed
0! such Joint attack. Ii has been the boast OF the
Ehihese ever since the ransom OF the city at the
close ct the last war, "Englishman no can catchee
canton. Hence the necessity that Englishmen
dIphe should take Canton without the aid of any
otnSt power The French feet, therefore, will
PROBABLY take up position at or near Whampoa,
near enough 10 the scene Of action to show their
SPpIopattoh' out not participating in the attack.
MsJoI Zen: Ashburnham, the Commander In Chief
OF The land forces in China has gone hence to Cal
cu1'a the object being to give the whole charge OF
tne campaign INTO the hands Of the Admiral. The
French fleet numbers twelve vessels. all steamers.
The American 6eet is in this port the Leyant
having been lying here three or four months The
Portsmouth, Minnesota and San Jacnto have arrived
within the last four weeks What thev are hcrc
for is matter OF some slrmise. Mr.. Reed has
had sundry colIoquies With the French Ernbss,,dor
ana IN fact there seems end OF quiet Consultation
and complimentary visiting; but az Tor aoy ign by