The Mongkong Government Garette. [No. 73.-NOVEMBER 28, 1856..
On the 13th, the Annung-hoy Forts, on the op- posite side of the Bogue entrance, mounting toge- ther 200 guns, were similarly taken possession of, with some resistance, but I am thankful to state, without a casualty on our side.
At every step I have had occasion to admire the great prudence and skill with which all Your Ex- cellency's operations have been devised, the prompti tude and valour with which they have been carried forward, and the almost bloodless success which has
To Your Ex- accompanied their victorious results.
Bogue Forts, on the afternoon of the 11th, (leaving the Samson and Niger to protect the Factory,) and anchored, in company with the Calcutta, Xankin, Encounter, Barracouta, Hornet, (just arrived from Shanghae.) and Coromandel Tender, Captain Wilson of the Winchester and Commander Bate being also The command of the River being now in our hands, present with part of their ships' crews in the boats. I have no other operation in immediate contempla-cellency and all under your command my warmest
On the following morning I sent to the Chief tion, beyond the security and maintenance of our posi-thanks are due. Mandarin to state that my holding the Forts was
tion; and it will remain with Her Majesty's Govern- necessary, pending the difference with the Highment to determine whether the present opportunity Commissioner, and that I would retain them in their shall be made available to enforce the Treaty atipu- present condition if forthwith surrendered. This lations, which the Canton Government have hitherto being refused, the squadron then attacked and as-
been allowed to evade with impunity.—I have, &c., saulted the two Wantung Island Forts, from the Bremer Channel side. They fell into our hands after a considerable, though ill-directed, resistance of about one hour. These Forts were fully manned,¦ His Excellency niounted upwards of 200 guns, and were found stronger than when captured in 1841. The Chinese troops stood to their guns up to the moment our men entered the embrasures, and stink-pots were freely thrown at those who first entered.
The Mandarins had bonts in readiness to facilitate their own escape, leaving their unfortunate followers, who rushed into the water, until they were pacified by our officers, and afterwards landed on the main. One boy killed and four men wounded on board the Nankin, was luckily the extent of our casualties.
I am quite of opinion that the high position we now occupy should not be surrendered until Your Excellency's most reasonable demands are complied with; and cannot but hope that the experience of so much power as has been exhibited, though associat- ed with the display of forbearance and humanity, will compel the submission of that intractable Vice- Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chiefroy, who appears now to be the main impediment to the recognition of our rights, and the consequent restoration of the public tranquillity.—I have, &c.,
JOHN BOWRING.
M. SEYMOUR,
SIR JOHN BOWRING, LLD., Jc.. &c., &c.,
Hongkong.
SUPERINTENDENCY OF TRADE, HONOKONG,
18th November, 1856.
SIR,-I have received Your Excellency's most satis- factory Despatch of yesterday, announcing the cap- ture of the Bogue Forts, with small loss of life or limb on the part of H. M. Naval. Forces..
His Excellency Rear-Admiral
SIR MICHAEL SEYMOUR, K.C.B.
Naval Commander-in-Chief,
4c., &c., &c
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