Northern fort.
Country poor.
"Sha-lin-tien" banks.
Country not suitable for an expedition between "Ching-ho" and "Peh-tang-ho."
20
the defences not be increased, it would, I think, be easy to destroy their works from the river.
The fort on the east bank is composed of one mound with 3 embrasures, with a curtain on either side—that on the left having 3 embrasures, and that on the right having 5. The portion containing the two right guns is thrown back so as to direct their fire on the left of the southern fort. No guns were mounted on the mounds, and the lower shutters were shut. The forts did not appear to be manned.
It is requested that in any further communication on this subject, the Number and Date of this Letter may be quoted; and that the communication may be addressed to "STORES."
The Under Secretary of State,
War Office, Pall Mall, S.W.
No.
upon the
Doug Hous
September 5th.—Proceeded in a N.E. direction until we closed "Sha-lin-tien" banks. Landed at a very poor village, being attracted by two batteries which, through the mirage, looked imposing, but were very insignificant. The country is flat and desert; utterly unprofitable in every way. People poor, living only on fish; they have to go 12 miles to get fresh water to drink.
Noticed the construction of these batteries, which is probably that of the more complete ones. The foundation was of large stones and piles up to above high-water level, and the mounds of earth rammed with a layer of coarse reeds at about every 2 feet. It appears to form a solid compact mass.
The "Sha-lin-tien" Bank, which is well known, extends to a great distance into the sea; but we ascertained that there is not any good channel between it and the mainland. Junks pass through in considerable numbers to fish, but the whole space is composed of shoals and banks; many of them dry at low water.
It is not easy to determine where the mainland commences. The tract of country inside appears to be barren and poor in the extreme.
Northwards of the "Peh-tang-ho," and southwards of the "Ching-ho," there is no spot that could be of any service to us in any way.
September 7—Sent one of the gun-boats to sound the N. of the "Sha-lin-tien," and went down to "Che-kaon" for the same purpose; returned to "Shah-lin-tien" the same evening, and sailed for "Ting-choo-foo," having completed the survey.
G
"Ting-choo-foo."
"Che-foo."
8th. Arrived at "Ting-choo-foo," and went on shore; walked through the outer city, and found the people very civil. Grapes, pears, &c., were in abundance.
September 9th.—Landed at "Che-foo" to get flour, sugar, and water. Found that the natives charged as much for bringing it off as would be the cost of condensing. So having laid in flour, sugar, and vegetables, sailed for "Shanghai."
A. C. FISHER,
Captain Royal Engineers and Major.
331 33
WAR OFFICE,
PALL MALL, S.W.,
26 Jany 1860
Sir,
In reference to your Letter, dated
I am instructed by the Secretary of State for War, to acquaint you that the Stores for the Colonial Surveyor at Hong Kong have been ordered to be supplied and despatched.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
362
To
A. C. Fisher, Esq.
Colonial Office