The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-10-06
The war IN China.
OUR FOO. CH0w FOO CORRESPONDENCE.


Warlike Movements ON ne Southe,n Chinese
Coost-Prospa'ity Of Foo Cho,o- Foo-Eaglish
and American Var Ships Relievia9 Each
Otte,- Tiepidotion OF Chinese Mechants-
Sanguindry Conflict Among Notires--P,on,pt
and Decisire Action Of the american Consul,
de-, dc.
Since left Shanghai have been cruising up
and down the China coast until finally have
brought up at this snug little harbor Of Foo-Chow-
Foo, where Notwithstanding all the troubles to the
southwark, at Hong Kong, where vast armament
is fitting out to proceed, they say, direct to Pekin,
and to the northward, where the war ships and
troops are gathering to prepare the way found
all peace and quiet, the tea season just opening,
merchants receiving the bullion, ships arriving, and
all the prospects of remarkably prosperous and
busy season for trade. The little British gunboat
Severn lay at anchor in the port like sleepy con-
stable at watch towards morning. Shortly after
my arrival, about the 23d or oath of May noticed
she had taken start, and presently disappeared
behind the high bluffs Of the river Min.
then learned for the lrst time since my stay
among this quiet community Of merchants that
there latent feeling Of fear. and the departure
of the only vesselofwar had produced a sensation
of uneasiness among them. | soon heard, how
ever from the American Consul, Mr. Gouyerneur,
gentleman whose acquaintance had made on my
arrival, that the departure of the Severn was only
in accordance with an arrangement that had been
entered into between Commodore Strbng and
the senior British naval officer in command at Hong
Kong, that the United States soop John Adams
should relieve the Severn at this port This, being
circulated abroad. restored general confidence,
and on the 25th Of May heard that the good old
Adams had come il under command OF Captain J.
b. Walback. The Adams, drawing too much water
to come abreast OF the town, was compelled 10
stop at the anchorage. twelve mites below, and all
were gladdened to hear that the entente cordiaie
between the United States and Great Britain had
become 30 close that we were all under the pro-
lection of that glorious flag "whose stars AMI
stripes" &C.. &c.
Every one felt secure, and people slept quietly
in their beds. About the 18th or 18th of June.
Lieut.. Berricn arrived from Hong Kong. and taking
command OF the Adams, Lieut.. Walback pro.
was very snug and comfortable. began to look
upon Foo-Chow as little Paradise
Of place, where man might hope to spend and
end bis days in quiet peace and happiness, until the
morning Of the 18th ofJune U migh say night OF the
2itb), when all ofus al our Hong were awakened
by our Cantonese servants TO be informed that a
battle was 10 take place between the Cantonese
and "Cbin Chew factions ia the morning. Here
was the deyn 10 paw lots of foreign medicine, =
4 e., opium silver dollars by the lac, 1. e., bushel.
twenty-five Cantonese lorchas in port heavily
armed and right abreast OF us, and the Chin Chew
men gathering their forces on shore and bringing
their armed boats down the river.
A lorcha Is vessel averaging from two
hundred 10 five hundred tons, armed with from four
10 eight twcn'y-four or fhirty-two pound guns,
manned by desperate, reckless crew. Their
cnsible &C eupaiion Is to convey fleets OF junks
sden with rice and other produce between the diff
ereut ports Of China; but this, in fact is the claim
~ Of a tribute which II not paid they exact, be.
Dg actually but pirates and If the money IA not
Ia 30 he
coasts, take them ai'l claim a ransom.
When this news struck upon the ear of the
merchants they started like a iock of
liackbrds In Carolina cornhcld. Every one
went or sent 70 the American consulate 10 ask pro.
lection. | myself saw Mr.. Gouverneur at this
time. He Immediately despatched boat with o
send 4 small detachment of men Immediately.
trusting that oven such force here would keep
matters quiet until better survey could he had OF
the held. Everything remained quiet until eleven
A. NJ. when the lorchas Of the different factions.
having quietly taken position, commenced slow
hut steady firing from their heavy guns. accompa-
med hy rapid discharge OF small arms. Towards
twelve NJ. the hriDg became heavier. The eyes Of
nll were now turned down the river looking FOR
he crew from the John Adams. Al this Il ne !
went 70 the American consulate. As ! passed the
iif.rcn' Hongs' found the merchants PLACING
lrns ~ tho hands Of their Cantonese rctaincrs,
vet saying a. they did 80 they knew not how far
hey could trust their own lives in their keeping.
Now. thinks ! 10 myself the balis be-
gan 10 ny thick and hot and several wounl.
III Chinese spectators az the fight were being arre
by. this J. getting to he VERY peculiar Many 81
The nhahifnn's, and those the oldest residents
believed the whole alair 10 be bar an Indication ~
rebel movement, and the first thing sought would
be the long boarded treasure Of the merchants
kept by them for the purchase Of teas. AT Tour y.
NJ. the boat Of the Adams turned The point coming
~ the river. fully manned aud armed. AT this The
firing ceased. From this time all was qGic: bat
- the shades or night gathered every kind II
tod tt..t
themselves seemed all to understand tha, TIC force
HON the John Adams, being 80 small. they nigh,
despise i, apd he light would be recommenced ~
daylight. Few OF u slept that night resoiya ans
aud double sarrelled guns lay around ia the diresi
{ )nsnsion; = may be said We reposcd on orr arms
Time passed. AZ daylight Tho firing re commenced
quick, heavy and continuous aut ~ II hsFan the
lhrce large boats Of the John Adams. Il'ed with
men. armed to the teeth, hove In sign,. The
Con y had appreciated the dlt ulties. and during
The night had sent for reniorccm,n,s TO the fal ex
ent that Cspt BcIfen could furnish. During the iay
visited him nj his house, surrounded BY a guard
1f marines uuder command Of IAeut Cohen few
n number, but sufficient to meet a host Of China.
men. Fnqr0ssed as he was IA business, receiving
eiters aid communications every moment. I was
'.eehsd ny himself and lady, aud lac laughingly
offered TO furnish me with the necessary documents
Chew war"
Lieut. Beaumont. commanding the naya, forces.
having hts men Ia state OF high efficiency was
prepared for anything that might arise and wonla
have eNccuied the Crder which was given 10 rim
by the Consul. ihat IL gun were fred that IN.
ured the property 81 foreigner Of whatever
nationality to take the lofcha from whence the bah
came
HAPPILY the presence or our force for the time
luicicd tie troubles, and ! understand tina. tue
United states Consul Subsequently had pow
vow = with the con.ending factions, and made
hlngs all straight between tEem-a, any rate from
bat time 70 this, the "bobbcry" has ceased.
Trade i beginning TO revive the bullion and go.
'eign medicine sent down 70 the opium ships AMI
Inder the gans OF the John Adams are returning,
md Foc-Chow begins to present the appearance ot
he same quiet, orderly place as when I hrs, |
rrived. shall probably remain here a few !.
months. Should anything occur worthy Of note
on shail again hear from your correspondent at I
oo-Chow-Too.
Army Intelligence.
The War Department has caused orders to be ssued 70.