42
312.
made the necessary arrangements for landing and considering that further delay would take away the small chance remaining of securing the object in view, I rather insisted on the matter and two landed in the boats about four hundred yards from the Sea-beach. They were guided from the Village of Seeting, which is situated up a narrow Creek and about a mile from the shore.
The cards of two Headmen were then brought to the General and we entered with the crews of both Gunboats and about twenty of that of the steamer. We found it entirely deserted with the exception of a few old men, here and there, who were beggars. They were brought before the General.
The Head men whose Cards had been sent were not to be found, and most of the effects of the upper part of the Village had been removed. While in the Village the General observed that he did not think the force sufficient to burn it.
At Sunset we returned to the boats, and at 8 AM this day I received the enclosed letter from the General, which, being explained to me by the Interpreter, I felt that I had no alternative but to retain the steamer without any service whatever having been performed, to Hong Kong, at which place I have the honor to report my arrival at 4:30 PM.
I regret to add that Lieutenant Walker and Mr... could