44.
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result to be obtained.
There were war Junk which hav not help observing the utter absence of zeal on the part of the General: it appeared that either he was conscious of having no authority at all over the locality or else expected an amount of resistance which it was most unreasonable to anticipate.
Having no authority anchuring, had and as the measures adopted afforded every facility for escape, I felt that it was too late for any satisfactory result to be obtained.
Man of a crew of Cl, according to your instructions I considered that the gunboats were not sent to land their crew and persons with firearms. There were no troops to Co-operate ashore.
I have to report that I did not think it proper to land and capture offenders or suspected persons on Chinese territory except in Co-operation with the General's party. I did not think - although the force at my disposal was far more than sufficient that you would approve of my undertaking the service independently of him; and indeed as so long a delay had taken place against my wishes after men and those of them whom landed had either boarding pikes or swords, but no firearms, were ready to Co-operate.
(Signed) Rich: Adams, Lieutenant and Commander H. M. G. B. 'Janus'
In temporary Command of H. M. G. B. "Merrimack"