good position, in spite of the utmost exertions used .
But shortly afterwards the Modeste and Queen, drawing
less water, were able to take up excellent stations ;
the battery on Pagoda Hill was soon silenced, and the
troops were driven from their post.
While this was being effected at the eastern extre
mity of the inner harbour, the original design of driving
the Chinese out of the long sea -battery, by turning their
right flank at its western extremity, and by taking pos
session of the hills above them, upon which their
encampment had been formed , was gallantly and effec
tually carried into execution. The Chinese troops at
this time occupied the heights in force, although they
had been dispersed two days before; and kept up a con
tinued fire of ginjals and matchlocks, apparently more
in defiance than for any useful purpose, for they fre
quently advanced to the brow of the hill, waving their
flags, and daring their enemy to attack them .
The Wellesley had been moved as close as possible to
the intended point of debarkation , just outside Guard
Island ; and the Cruiser and Columbine had been
placed within two hundred yards of the beach, there
being plenty of water almost close in shore. By the
fire of these vessels and of the Sesostris steamer, the
Chinese were so completely kept in check, that they
could not attempt any opposition to the landing of the
troops. The Phlegethon now came up with the 55th
regiment on board . The first division, with the gallant
General at their head, consisting of the Madras Artillery,
with eight guns, under Captain Anstruther, together
with a party of sappers and the 18th and 55th regi
CHINESE GALLANTRY . 197
ments, with the Madras Rifles, were now landed, but
not without some delay and difficulty, owing to the
astonishing strength of the currents. The Nemesis was
also coming up to land the troops she had on board,
when she unfortunately grounded on a sand -bank, and
was obliged to cast off the numerous boats she had in
tow, before she could work herself off again, which
caused considerable delay. The 49th were therefore
not landed so soon as had been expected.
The firing of the steamers which covered the landing
was kept up with so much precision, that more than
one of the Chinese standard -bearers, who boldly ad
vanced alone to the crest of the hill, waving their flags,
were cut in two by a 32 -pounder shot, just as if they
had been aimed at with a rifle.
The two flank and the third companies of the 55th
being first on shore, received a smart fire from the
Chinese, who, up to this time, had kept themselves
pretty well sheltered ; and, as the remainder of the
regiment followed close after the leading companies, and
the 18th was not far behind, the advance was instantly
sounded , and the 55th pushed up the hill, under the
gallant Major Fawcett. The Chinese waved to them
to come on, and opened a smart fire as they struggled
up the steep hill, and knocked down several of the
men . It was an exciting spectacle to watch them as
cending the hill, while the ships continued firing until
they reached the summit ; and even then the Chinese
showed no want of courage ; the spear and the bayonet
frequently crossed each other.
At length the Chinese were routed ; and the hill,
198 CHINESE MANDARINS.
being now in our possession , gave us the command of
all the enemy's positions, which, by this means, were
fairly turned. In this encounter, the first Chinese
colours were taken by Lieutenant Butter, of the 55th .
In the mean time, the 18th and the artillery being
landed, and some of the light guns having been placed
so as to enfilade the long battery, the 18th pushed on
gallantly, under Lieutenant Colonel Adams, to clear the
line of sea- defences. The facility with which the flank
of the Chinese positions had been turned did not seem,
by any means, to discourage the Chinese, who fought,
as they retreated, with great individual courage, several
of the mandarins boldly advancing, sword in hand , to
the attack . The loss on their side, as they were driven
back along so narrow a line ( for there was a deep
paddy- field in the rear of the embankment upon which
the battery was constructed ) was necessarily great.
The Chinese commander -in - chief and several Tartar
officers were here killed. They were at length com
pelled to evacuate the whole line of sea-battery, the
grenadier company of the 18th leading the way, in a
spirited manner, under Captain Wigston .
Having cleared the whole of the works, the 18th
soon made their way up the Pagoda Hill, without
opposition, the Chinese having been already compelled
to evacuate it by the admirable fire of the Royal Artil
lery, and of the Modeste and Queen on that side. The
49th, who could not be landed until the hottest part
of the work was over, followed the 18th along the
battery, but, on reaching a causeway or path about
two -thirds of the way across, which appeared to lead
CAPTURE OF THE HEIGHTS. 199
from the battery towards the city, they turned off at
that point, and hurried on towards the south gate of
the city to which it led .
In the mean time, the 55th pushed on along the hills,
covered by the Rifles, which had now joined , to the
heights overlooking the city on the north -west ; and
Captain Anstruther, with Captain Balfour and Lieute
nant Foulis, with great exertion brought up the light
field -guns of the Madras Artillery, to the summit of
the heights, and opened their fire upon the walls, on
which several guns were mounted on that side. The
Madras Sappers had also brought scaling-ladders along the
rugged hills, and the Rifles, were skilfully disposed along
the edge of a deep ravine between the hills and the city
walls, sheltered by the broken ground and by tombs
(for it was the burial place of the city) with the object
of cutting off the retreat of the Chinese by the northern
gate.
While these operations were going on, the Admiral,
accompanied by Sir Henry Pottinger, Captain Herbert,
Captain Maitland, and Mr. Morrison , the interpreter,
went on board the Nemesis, (which, after landing her
troops, had come round the point of Guard Island into
the inner harbour,) and were carried towards the
Pagoda Hill, just as the 18th entered the works at
the top of it. The Admiral and the rest of the officers
immediately landed, and ascended the hill, from the
top of which there is a splendid prospect of the whole
plain beyond, and of the city, and from which a good
view could be obtained of the operations against the
latter.
200 CAPTURE OF TINGHAI .
The Nemesis was anchored as close in shore as pos
sible ; and Captain Hall, having got up to the mast-head,
was able distinctly to see every thing that was going
on, and to direct the fire of the steamer, so as to
throw аa few shells into the city, about three quarters
of a mile distant. The other steamers very shortly
afterwards also joined her in the inner harbour. The
55th could be seen climbing over the walls, the Chinese
firing and retreating before them ; and the British flag
at last proudly floated over the fallen city. Three
British cheers were given at this moment by soldiers
and sailors together.
The capital of Chusan, with all its new and extensive
defences, was now for the second time in our possession .
The Chinese troops fled into the interior of the island,
principally by the eastern gate ; and if a detachment
of our soldiers had been sent along the banks of the
canal , which runs up into the plain on that side, pro
bably a great number of the Chinese would have been
cut off.
The loss of Ting-hai was attributed by the Chinese
principally to the non -arrival of the expected reinforce
ments from the mainland, owing to the boisterous
state of the weather ; but they took care to assert that
a foreign vessel “ had blown up,” and that the heavy
toil of fighting for six days and nights had so com
pletely worn out their troops, that they were unable
any longer to resist.
The loss of the Chinese was considerable, both in
the battery and on the hills. On our side, one officer
(Ensign Duell) and one rank and file of the 55th were
CAPTURE OF TINGIAI. 201
killed, and nineteen rank and file of the same regi
ment wounded, many of them severely. Of the other
troops engaged, eight rank and file were wounded, of
whom half dangerously or severely. Besides the guns
already enumerated, together with large ginjals, a vast
number of matchlocks were found in the city, with
upwards of five hundred tubs of powder, some bamboo
rockets, and about one hundred cases of leaden balls.
The day after the capture, measures were adopted
by the General, to endeavour to prevent the escape of
the Chinese troops from the island, by the numerous
little harbours or creeks from which they could get
away in boats to the mainland . Three different de
tachments of our soldiers were sent out by separate
routes to scour the island, while the Nemesis and other
vessels were sent round to convey provisions, and to
blockade the landing-places, or villages on the coast.
By this means, it was hoped “ that every one of the
fugitives would either be driven off the island or cap
tured . ” But all these little marchings and counter
marchings were quite fruitless ; not a soldier was seen
in any direction ; the facility of disguise and conceal
ment, and also of escape to the mainland, being very
great.
It may be doubted whether these movements, in
stead of tending to bring the native Chinese popu
lation into submission, did not rather serve to keep
alive or to increase their natural feeling of dislike to
the foreigner. In fact, the inhabitants of the Chusan
Islands are generally a hardy and independent race
of people, and up to the close of the war, it never
202 KIDNAPPERS.
could be said that we really had possession of more
than the actual city within the walls of Tinghai and its
suburbs on the sea -shore. No one could move even
to a distance of two or three miles from the walls,
without having a strong escort with him, or running
the risk of being kidnapped by the people. Many
private soldiers and camp followers were in this manner
cut off ; and at length orders were issued that none
but the Chinese should be permitted to pass through
the northern gate at all.
MILITARY GOVERNMENT. 203
CHAPTER XXIX.
Military government of Chusan - Remarks on the town of Tinghai
The great bell — Notices of Chusan — Not adapted for commercial
purposes — A visit to the interior— Interesting observations of a
Chinese gentleman — Civility of the people — Remarks on our com
mercial prospects in China— Necessity of barter - Difficulties — Pre
parations for the capture of Chinhae - Its position - Defences of the
Ningpo river - Chinhae captured, 10th of October, 1841 – Military
and naval operations, on both sides of the river, described - Suicide of
Chinese officers — The Emperor's remarks respecting the Viceroy
Public honours-Attentions of the English to the wounded Chinese
Remarks on Chinhae and on Chinese inventions — Use of torture and
cruel modes of inflicting death — Burial of murdered Englishmen
Instrument for pounding women to death — Humanity towards the
Chinese prisoners.
A few days after the occupation of the capital of
Chusan, a regular military government was established
by Sir Henry Pottinger, protection being promised to
the well- behaved inhabitants, who were moreover in
formed that “ several years would probably elapse,
before the island would be restored to the authority of
the Emperor.” Thus it was evidently contemplated,
even at that time, that the island should not be re
stored to the Chinese, until long after the conclusion
of peace. It was,, in fact, to be retained for some time,
204 TINGHAI .
as a guarantee for the good faith of the Chinese go
vernment .
The principal alterations which had taken place at
Tinghai, since it was given up by the English seven
months before, were found to be merely the addition
of the defensive works already described, and , to a
certain degree, increased cleanliness within the city.
The suburbs at the landing - place had been in part
pulled down, or altered to make way for the batteries,
while other parts had been abandoned, and were after
wards pulled down by our own orders during the
ensuing winter, to give a better circulation of air, and
more room for the detachment quartered there. The
ruins furnished good firewood, which is much needed
during the winter ; for the extremes both of heat
and cold are felt along the northern coast of China,
according to the season of the year. In other re
spects , the so -called horrors of war fell extremely
lightly upon the inhabitants ; indeed , they were in
most instances benefitted by our presence, and by the
circulation of money which we spent among them .
Occasional examples of hardship necessarily occurred
in the first instance, among which that of the bursting
of a shell in a house in which a poor woman and her
two children were killed, while the husband was mor
tally wounded by the explosion , could not fail to
excite the greatest sympathy. But happily there were
no instances of that voluntary self-murder, which, in
other cities, subsequently taken, became so appalling ;
they seemed limited to the Tartar population.
Generally speaking, our soldiers appeared to look
TINGHAI. 205
down upon the Chinese too much to do them wanton
injury. Two of the 18th Royal Irish were overheard
conversing together, soon after the place was taken ;
and the one was congratulating the other upon his
escape, having been supposed to be killed. Why, I
heard you were picked off by the Chinese !” — “ Is it
me ? said the other— “ the devil a bit ; for it's by a
European I'll be killt, and not by a Chinaman . ”
Several instances occurred, in which the inhabitants
of the town, particularly the boys, recognized the
officers and some of the men of the 18th, who had been
there on the previous occasion, and voluntarily came to
offer their services again, with every appearance of
being pleased to see their former masters.
It must not be imagined that the capital of Chusan
is at all a fine town, or in any way to be compared with
others upon the mainland which we afterwards cap
tured or visited . Even the walls, though of small ex
tent, enclose a larger space than is actually occupied
by the town itself ; and, indeed , with few exceptions,
this appears to be generally the case in China. The
streets are extremely narrow, being mere lanes ; the
shops are very poor, and comparatively insignificant ;
and the houses are all low, but some of them, including
the courts within, occupy a large space of ground .
There is one building, however, which attracts uni
versal attention , as being one of the finest specimens of
>
its kind . It is the principal temple of the city, dedi
cated to the worship of Foo, or Budha. In many
respects it is superior to the temple at Hainan , opposite
Canton , and is scarcely second to the principal of the
206 CURIOUS BELL .
numerous temples which adorn the sacred island of
Pooto, about twenty miles from Chusan, which is
famous for the number and elegance of its places of
superstitious worship, and for the hosts of priests, or
rather monks, which are attached to them . There is
belonging to this beautiful temple of Tinghai, standing
in a detached half-ruined building, and apparently
never used , one of the most beautiful bells met with in
China. It is quite equal to the one which was after
wards taken at Ningpo, and was subsequently sent to
Calcutta. It is of very large size, but somewhat dif
ferent in shape from our own, and is covered on the
outside with Chinese characters, beautifully formed .
Its tone is clear and deep ; indeed, the Chinese appear
to excel in the art of making bell-metal. It was
worthy of being removed and carried to this country ;
not so much as a trophy, for such it could not be called ,
but as an interesting specimen of Chinese workmanship,
and of the advanced state of some of their oldest arts
and inventions.
Some interest attaches to the island of Chusan , from
the fact of its having once been the site of an English
factory. It is about fifty miles in circumference, of an
oblong shape, being about twenty miles in length by
ten in breadth . The principal harbour of Tinghai is
difficult of approach, owing to the astonishing rapidity
of the currents or tides, the rise and fall of which varies
from six to twelve feet ; the passages are in some parts
narrow, with deep water.
Chusan and all the neighbouring islands are extremely
mountainous, but between the ridges of the hills are
CHUSAN . 207
rich and beautiful valleys, which are highly productive,
being well supplied with water. The industry and care
with which the Chinese embank the opening of every
valley towards the sea are remarkable ; not a foot of
ground is wasted ; and every little nook or bay which
can be reclaimed from the sea is cultivated with the
most assiduous care. The beautiful cultivation of the
hill-sides has already been alluded to, so that it is not
surprising that the island is capable of exporting a large
quantity of produce to the mainland. For general
commercial purposes , however , little advantage could
have been derived from the permanent retention of
Chusan ; the population of the island is not large ;
and , with the port of Ningpo within a few hours ' sail,
and open to our vessels , there could have been no com
pensating benefit to make up for the expense of a per
manent settlement upon an island in its neighbourhood .
The East - India Company's factory was built in 1700,
not far from the present landing-place in the suburbs of
Tinghai; but the exactions of the Chinese officers, the
expense of the establishment, and the little prospect of
carrying on a successful trade, compelled them to aban
don it three or four years afterwards. In short, the in
ternal trade of the island must always be insignificant ;
and vessels which frequent the harbour depend almost
entirely upon the visits of Chinese merchants who come
over from the mainland to seek merchandize, which they
would much more gladly purchase when brought to their
own doors at Ningpo, by which means they would save
expense and trouble.
The importance of the temporary possession of Chu
208 THE PEOPLE OF CHUSAN .
san is certainly great, particularly as long as the ar
rangements for the opening of the new ports are not
entirely completed. But its value, as a political measure ,
is much enhanced by the moral effect it has had upon the
government and people of China, who look upon the
Chusan islands as among their most valuable possessions,
the loss of which was peculiarly felt by the Emperor.
In the commencement, the principal inhabitants of
the interior showed a great disinclination to have any
dealings with us, and the common people frequently
proved themselves decidedly hostile to us. The kid
napping of our soldiers will be alluded to hereafter ; but
that was more frequently attempted by men sent ex
pressly over for the purpose, from the mainland , than
by the peasantry of the island itself. Gradually, how
ever, all classes improved in their tone and bearing ;
and, during an excursion which I myself made, in com
pany with a missionary, at the close of the war, we
found the people commonly civil and obliging, and
rarely disinclined to hold intercourse with us. In several
instances, we were invited into the houses of respectable
individuals, who invariably turned the conversation upon
mercantile matters.
On one occasion, a very respectable - looking man, who
inhabited aa well-furnished house, invited us in, and offered
us pipes and tea, and then produced a work, written in
Chinese by Mr. Gutzlaff, setting forth , as I understood, the
advantages of foreign trade to the Chinese, and pointing
out a great number of articles which could be exchanged
between them and the English with great mutual ad
vantage. The book was furnished with geographical
TEA TRADE. 203
maps, and was intended also to remove some of the
absurd Chinese theories and prejudices concerning the
various nations of the earth, and the relations of China
with the rest of the world . Great interest had evidently
been awakened by the perusal of the work, and the man
assured us that he had lent it to several of his neigh
bours. He stated his great wish to enter into trading
speculations with the English, and that he and some of
his friends had projected the formation of a company,
or hong, with this object. But the great difficulty
which occurred to them was, as to the means of paying
us, or rather as to what articles they could find to offer
us in exchange for our manufactures. It was clear to
them that there must be a reciprocal trade ; but they
had difficulty in knowing what we would take, or what
they could procure which would be likely to suit
foreigners.
It must not be supposed that there can be an un
limited production of tea in China ; its cultivation is
limited to almost two districts, and it requires peculiar
conditions of soil and of climate to enable it to be
cultivated to advantage . A great sudden increase in
the demand for tea would lead to an enormous increase
in the adulteration of the article by all kinds of spurious
leaves ; and nothing is more easy than to fabricate a
mixture which will resemble in all its external appear
ances any description of tea which may be most in de
mand ; and this fabricated mixture can be added to the
real tea, in greater or lesser quantity, so as not easily
to be detected, except by very experienced persons .
The tea-plant requires three years' growth before it will
VOL . II. P
210 A CHINESE GENTLEMAN .
produce leaves fit to be plucked for tea. At Chusan ,
the plant appeared to grow wild, or nearly so, upon
sume of the mountains, but of inferior quality, and only
fit for native use.
The various questions asked by this Chinese gentle
man (for so he might be called) were extremely intelli
gent, and much to the purpose. On pointing out to
him that he might feed sheep upon the hills around him ,
and eat their flesh, and clothe himself in winter with
their wool, his only reply was, that he did not under
stand the care of them , nor had ever indeed seen any,
but he thought the attempt would prove a failure. His
manners were agreeable and gentlemanlike ; and , on
taking our leave, he accompanied us through the vil
lage, and pointed out the tomb of his ancestors, which
had previously struck us as a remarkably fine stone
monument, or rather cemetery, situated in a field by
the road-side. He bowed gracefully as we parted, and
expressed his hope that we might be induced to visit
him again .
These are the favourable opportunities of cultivating
the good will of the people, and of making ourselves
acquainted with their manners and habits, while we
communicate friendly information to them , which can
not be too carefully and judiciously cultivated . Good
tact, and a familiar knowledge of the world, (for human
nature is nearly the same in all parts) with a scrupulous
regard for customs, and delicacy in violating prejudices,
are at least as necessary to enable us to make our way
in China, as in other quarters. And while we take care
not to place blind confidence, we cannot be too careful
TRADE WITH CHINA. 211
how we exhibit a contemptuous mistrust of them in our
social intercourse. We may assert our right to be
treated with the utmost respect and deference on all
occasions, without assuming for an instant an overbear
ing tone or a repulsive demeanour. We must respect
ourselves, and we shall not find it difficult to enforce
respect from them.
In reference to the commercial questions mentioned
above, it is not here the place to discuss points which
are difficult and tedious to develop. But I again call
attention to the shrewd remark above quoted , that we
must endeavour to find out what we can procure from
the Chinese besides tea and silk, rhubarb and cassia ,
and encourage them to seek out some articles of raw
produce, which they can give us in exchange. There are
numerous mineral productions in China, of which we
know little ; their processes of smelting, &c. , are tedious
and defective, yet labour is abundant to overflowing in
all parts of China.
To return to the operations of our combined forces.
As the season for active measures, before the complete
setting in of winter, was already far advanced, little
time was to be lost in carrying into execution the pro
posed movement upon Chinhae and Ningpo. The latter
city, from its size and situation , would afford excellent
winter quarters for the main body of our troops ; and
the moral effect upon the Chinese government and
people, of the continued occupation of so important a
place, and the interruption of their valuable trade, could
not fail to make an inpression calculated to facilitate
our future negotiations.
P2
212 CHINHAE .
In the mean time, the expected reinforcements would
have arrived , both from England and from India, and
the next campaign would be opened with vigour, and
would suffice, it was hoped, to conclude the war. Ningpo,
which is a city of the first class, and therefore called
Foo (Ningpo-Foo) is the chief city of a department,
and the second city in the province of Che-Keang, of
which the capital is Hang-Chow-Foo. The population
of the province, according to Chinese documents, num
bers upwards of 26,000,000 souls, or very nearly as
much as the whole of Great Britain and Ireland toge
ther .
The town of Ningpo is situated twelve miles up the
Tahea, or Ningpo river, at the mouth of which is the
small town of Chinhae, at the base of a high hill, which
commands the entrance of the river. The possession of
Chinhae, therefore, and its citadel, would give us com
plete command of the approach to Ningpo ; just as the
capture of Chapoo (which was effected in the subse
quent campaign) would lay open the road to Hang
Chow -Foo, the capital; and that of Woosung, which
was soon afterwards taken, would give us free access to
the valuable trading-city of Shang-hae. It could not
be doubted that the interruption of trade, and the stop
page of the imperial revenues derived from it, would
make far deeper impression upon the cabinet of Pekin ,
than sweeping off thousands and tens of thousands of
the people, whose lives are so quaintly said to be
very tenderly cherished in the paternal bosom of the
Emperor.”
A small garrison only was to be left in possession of
CHINHAE . 213
Chusan , but the embarkation of the rest of our force
was delayed for some days, by the continuance of con
trary winds. The exposed situation of Chinhae also
made it hazardous to approach it with a fleet, until the
weather should assume a more settled appearance . At
length, on the 8th of October, the greater part of the
transports were moved to the anchorage at “ Just in
the Way,” nearly half way across to the mouth of the
Ningpo river. At the same time, the General and the
Admiral, accompanied by Sir Henry Pottinger, who was
never absent when active operations were going on,
proceeded in the Nemesis and Phlegethon steamers to
reconnoitre the Chinese positions, and to form their
plans for the intended attack. Everything was now
extremely favourable for this purpose, considering the
advanced season ; and the Chinese allowed the steamers
to approach quite close, within short range, without
firing a shot. Perhaps they were afraid to provoke an
attack , or remembered the very wise precaution given
on other occasions, that they should not be the first,
“ in their eagerness to win honours, to commence the
attack on the barbarians.
The city of Chinhae lies at the foot of a bill, upon a
tongue of land , on the left bank of the river, or upon the
northern side of its entrance ; and its castellated walls are
not much less than three miles in circumference, con
nected with aa substantial stone enbankment which runs
up the coast for a distance of full three miles, for the pro
tection of the land from the encroachments of the sea.
The chief strength of the position, however, lies in the
precipitous, rocky height, which, rising abruptly from
214 CHINHAE .
the sea, at the extremity of the peninsula, and throw
ing out a rugged spur, completely commands the en
trance of the river. Upon its summit, which may be
about two hundred and fifty feet high, a sort of citadel
had been formed , having a large temple for its com
manding point, connected by loop-holed walls with
various other buildings, which had been put in a state
of preparation for defence.
The outer wall had two iron -plated gates ; but the
only direct communication between the citadel and the
city was on the west, or land side, where a steep but
tolerably regular causeway led to a barrier gate at the
bottom of the hill, whence it was continued by a wooden
bridge over a gorge to the gates of the city itself. In
front of the other, or eastern gate of the citadel, there
was a newly-constructed battery, formed partly of sand
bags, and partly of masonry, mounting, altogether,
twenty-one guns.
Adjoining the suburbs of the city, on the river side,
there were also two flanking batteries for the protection
of the river, mounting, respectively, twenty-two and
nineteen guns ; while, on the opposite side of the
isthmus, lying between the hill and the city walls,
there was a small battery of five guns pointing to
wards the sea, with a row of piles driven into the
beach in front of it, in order to impede the landing
of an enemy. For further protection on that side,
a number of guns and a large quantity of ginjals
were mounted upon the city walls, principally front
ing the sea. The information obtained led the General
to suppose that there were about three thousand
CHINESE DEFENCES . 215
soldiers in the city, and upon the works outside of
it, while about seven hundred garrisoned the cita
del ; but the Chinese official returns were afterwards
found, in which the details were minutely given . The
actual number was about five hundred less than sup
posed . The Chinese had by no means limited their
defences to the northern side of the river only. On the
contrary, there was good reason to believe that the
great body of their troops and their strongest positions
were upon the other or southern side of the river, where
there was a range of steep hills, overlooking the citadel
hill and the city itself.
On this side there were several strong batteries facing
the entrance to the river, mounting altogether thirty
one guns, while the line of heights above was strongly
fortified, having a chain of entrenched camps along the
points most difficult of approach , with several field
redoubts, armed with guns and ginjals ; in short, neither
expense nor labour had been spared to defend, as far as
Chinese ingenuity and art could avail, the approach to
the important city of Ningpo.
The river itself was strongly staked across just within
the entrance, the obstruction being commanded by the
batteries. A little lower down to the southward be
low the river, in a small bay, there was a creek, with a
good landing -place at the foot of the hills, and the en
trance to it was staked across in a similar manner. The
importance which the Chinese appeared to attach to the
defence of these positions rendered it the more necessary
that they should be reduced, in order to convince them ,
by the hard lesson of experience, that the utmost efforts
216 BRITISH FORCES ,
of their skill and perseverance were unavailing against
the science and the courage of Europeans.
On the following day, the 9th of October, the squa
dron and the transports (the best-sailing ones having
been selected for the purpose ) were able to anchor off
Chinhae, in the most convenient positions for the in
tended operations, which were to be carried into effect
early on the following morning.
From the description above given, it will at once
become evident that our operations against the main
body of the Chinese troops, on the southern side of the
river, would be undertaken by the land forces, under Sir
Hugh Gough in person, while those against the citadel
and town of Chinhae, and the works on the northern
side of the river, would be entrusted principally to the
naval branch of the expedition, under Sir William
Parker. It was arranged that a body of men should
be ready to land on that side, composed of the Seamen's
Battalion and the Royal Marines, with a detachment of
the Royal and Madras Artillery, the whole under the
command of Captain Herbert, of the Blenheim .
The Wellesley, Blenheim , Blonde, and Modeste, were
to take up positions as close as possible in shore on
that side, but avoiding, if possible, the chance of taking
the ground at low water, with the object of shelling
the Chinese out of the citadel, and of preventing rein
forcements from being sent up to it , and also to open a
landing -place for the seamen and marines. They were
also to drive the Chinese from the walls of the city on
that side, and cover the landing. The Cruiser, Colum
bine, and Bentinck, were to be employed on the
PLAN OF ATTACK . 217
southern side of the entrance of the river, taking up
their positions so as to cover the landing of the troops
at the mouth of the creek already mentioned. The
Queen and Sesostris steamers were to throw shells into
the citadel , and into the batteries along the river, or,
according to circumstances, into the Chinese encamp
ments on the hills on the south side ; while the two iron
steamers, Nemesis and Phlegethon, were to land the
troops, and then render assistance wherever their ser
vices might be most useful.
The movements of the troops will be best understood
as we proceed. At daylight, on the morning of the
10th of October, the Nemesis took on board the whole
of the centre column, under the command of Lieu
tenant- Colonel Morris, consisting of the 49th regiment,
with a few of the Royal and Madras Artillery, and some
Madras Sappers, amounting altogether to about four
hundred and forty men, with forty shot-bearers, &c.
There were also two 12 -pounder howitzers, with two
9 -pounder field -guns. The Nemesis then took in tow
the Cruiser, sixteen guns, under Commander Giffard ,
who was to superintend and to cover the landing, and
immediately proceeded to the point of debarkation, near
the creek, on the flank of the Chinese positions. The
post of honour was this day given to the 49th, in order
that they might have an opportunity of making up for
their disappointment at Chusan, where they were landed
too late to take the active part in the day's work which
had been assigned to them . At the same time, the left
column, under the command of Lieutenant -Colonel
Craigie, of the 55th regiment (accompanied by the
218 PLAN OF ATTACK .
General himself and staff ), was carried in by the Phlege
thon to a rocky point a little further to the southward .
There was a low flat and a canal, with two bridges over
it, on their right, whence they could move round the
hills to the rear of the position occupied by the Chinese.
This column was the strongest, and comprised a wing of
the 18th Royal Irish, five companies of the 55th regi
ment, the Madras Rifle Company, with one company of
the Madras Artillery and some sappers ; altogether
1040 men, with four light mountain howitzers, and
two five and a half - inch mortars, with upwards of one
hundred shot-carriers and followers.
The distance of the point of landing from the ene
my's position was not less than a couple of miles ; and
thence they skirted along the hills, until they reached
a commanding point, from which a full view was ob
tained of the whole of the positions. By this time, the
centre column had formed without opposition ; but a
small body of Chinese troops, who had probably been
placed in ambush, under cover of a low hill, were now
discovered, and instantly dispersed by a few shot from
the Nemesis.
The 49th now received orders to advance up the hill,
which they did in gallant style ; and, after clearing
several field -works, their colours were soon displayed
upon the principal redoubt overlooking the batteries on
the river side. In this attack, Captain Reynolds and
Lieutenant Browne, of the 49th, particularly distin
guished themselves.
No sooner had that regiment got into close action
than the 18th and the Rifles, on their left, having with
CHINESE PANIC . 219
great difficulty got across a narrow and obstructed
bridge, over the lower part of the canal (which might
have been easily defended ), and the 55th having crossed
another bridge higher up, suddenly pressed round upon
the Chinese right, and threw them into the utmost
consternation. Many acts of individual bravery were
witnessed on their part ; some the result of real courage,
others of sheer desperation. But the poor Chinese
were fairly hemmed in by the 49th in front, and by the
55th and 18th, with the Rifles, on their right and in
their rear . This manæuvre ,, as may be supposed, threw
them into the utmost confusion . Their river batteries,
being also by these movements taken in flank , were at
once abandoned by their defenders, and a few of the
guns were actually turned against the flying enemy the
moment we took possession .
The havoc among the Chinese was inevitably great,
for very few of them could be induced to lay down their
arms, in spite of the exertions of the officers, aided by
Mr. Thom , the interpreter, to make them understand
that their lives would be spared. Hundreds of them, as
a last resource, rushed madly into the river, and, of
course, a great many were drowned ; it is even said that
their own batteries on the opposite side of the river
killed a great many of them, either purposely for run
ning away, or by aiming at our soldiers, who were
driving the fugitives before them. Many committed
suicide, including several high officers; but some of
them escaped, after throwing away their arms and mili
tary clothing . About five hundred men surrendered
themselves prisoners ; and a few others, who had taken
220 ATTACK ON CHINHAE .
shelter among the rocks along the river side, were
subsequently picked up by the boats of the Queen
steamer.
While these important successes were being obtained
on the southern side of the river, no less active and
effectual operations were being carried on upon the
opposite or northern side, against the citadel and town
of Chinhae. As soon as the Nemesis had landed the
centre column, she ran up towards the flag -ship, the
Wellesley, which had been towed into an excellent posi
tion by the Sesostris, to shell the citadel, but she
settled quietly in the mud as the tide fell. The Blen
heim had likewise been towed into a good position by
the Sesostris, but the Blonde and Modeste were enabled
to go in under sail with a light breeze. The terrific fire
of these powerful ships was immediately opened upon
the hill -fort with irresistible effect. Their precision in
throwing shells was particularly remarked, and nothing
could long resist their sustained fire.
On the Chinese side, the river batteries opened upon
the Nemesis and Phlegethon, as they passed the
river's mouth , and upon every vessel upon which they
could bear, as they occasionally came within range,
namely the Queen, Cruiser, &c. The Nemesis having
passed beyond the flag-ship, ran in as close as possible
to the town, and dispersed a body of Chinese, who were
drawn up with their banners, &c., on that side, and also
opened upon a small fort at the landing -place, between
the Citadel -hill and the town ; but she was then directed
by the Admiral to proceed with orders to the Sesostris
and the Queen.
ATTACK ON CHINHAE . 221
Just at this moment (past eleven o'clock) , the boats
were ordered to push from their respective ships to land
the right column, under Captain Herbert ; and it was
about this time also that the 49th on the south side of
the river were seen to crown the hill, and carry the
Chinese entrenchment in that direction .1
So severe and well-directed had been the fire of the
ships, that the Chinese had been driven out of the
temple upon the top of the Citadel-hill, and could be
seen rushing down towards the city.. The seamen and
marines, having disembarked upon the rugged rocks
at the mouth of the river, advanced to the assault with
great rapidity up the hill, and entered the citadel, the
gate of which had been left open by the Chinese as
they fled .
The Chinese still manned the walls of the city below,
which were about twenty feet high, and also the two
batteries upon the river side before described . The
marine and seamen battalion , therefore, pushed on to
attack the city, and escaladed the walls in two places
on the east side ; the enemy making their escape
through the western gate which led into the open
country.
By this time, the batteries on the south side of the
The right column consisted of
400
Seamen Battalion, under Captain Bourchier
Royal Marines, Major Ellis 276
Royal Artillery, with two five and a half inch mor
tars, and some 9 and 12 -pounder rockets, Lieu 23
tenant the Honourable Spencer
Madras Sappers, Captain Cotton and Lieutenant 30
Johnston, M.E.
222 FALL OF CHINHAE .
river were also in possession of our troops, who now
turned the guns upon the batteries on the city side
of the river, near the water's edge. Captain Herbert's
column was accompanied by the Admiral in person, who
was one of the foremost to mount the walls.
Three explosions took place, during the attack, two
near the top of the Citadel-hill, and one at a mandarin
station near the river side. They were supposed to be
mines, and two of them were fired by our rockets. Se
veral Chinese suffered by the explosions.
The city of Chinhae, and the whole of the defences
on both sides of the river, so much relied on by the
Chinese, were in our possession by two o'clock ; the
Chinese troops were completely dispersed and panic
struck, many of the high officers being killed, and the
whole people in the utmost consternation.
Captain Herbert retained possession of the town
with the marines during the remainder of the day,
and in the evening Sir Hugh Gough crossed over from
the opposite side with a few of his troops, and joined
Captain Herbert. The rest of our men bivouacked for
the night upon the hills they bad so bravely taken .
The total number of guns which were found in the
different works were no less than one hundred and
fifty -seven pieces, of which sixty -seven were brass,
many being very well cast, and of great weight. In the
city was also discovered a cannon foundry, with every
preparation for the casting of a great number of guns,
including a large quantity of metal. There was like
wise some copper ore found in the town , and a tolerable
addition to the prize fund was thus secured.
FALL OF CHINHAE . 223
The loss on our side was inconsiderable, amounting
to three men killed and sixteen wounded , including one
officer, Lieutenant Montgomerie, of the 49th regiment,
which bore the principal brunt of the day. The loss
of the Chinese is very difficult to estimate. But it
amounted to several hundred killed and wounded , in
the operations on both sides of the river.
Soon after the works were all in our possession, the
Nemesis was sent some way up the river, to explore the
navigation, having cleared for herself a passage through
the stakes ; and on her return to the Wellesley, late in
the day, the Admiral, accompanied by Sir Henry Pot
tinger, proceeded in her to examine the river again.
If we may judge from the various memorials pre
sented to the Emperor, after the fall of Chinhae, and
his Majesty's replies to some of them, we must at once
perceive how great a sensation the loss of this impor
tant place had made upon the people throughout the
entire province. They were now alarmed for the safety
even of Hang-Chow-Foo, the capital city. Nevertheless,
the Emperor, far from showing any inclination to yield,
continued to urge on more strenuously than ever the
most extensive preparations for the defence of the
province.
The death of the Imperial Commissioner, Yu-Keen ,
however, by suicide, immediately after the loss of
Chinhae, seems to have awakened a feeling of com
passion in the imperial bosom . His Majesty called to
mind the death of the Commissioner's grandfather, in
the same manner, during the reign of Kienlung ; and
directed that his departed servant, “ who gave his life
222 FALL OF CHINHAE .
river were also in possession of our troops, who now
turned the guns upon the batteries on the city side
of the river, near the water's edge. Captain Herbert's
column was accompanied by the Admiral in person, who
was one of the foremost to mount the walls.
Three explosions took place, during the attack, two
near the top of the Citadel -hill, and one at a mandarin
station near the river side. They were supposed to be
mines, and two of them were fired by our rockets. Se
veral Chinese suffered by the explosions.
The city of Chinhae, and the whole of the defences
on both sides of the river, so much relied on by the
Chinese, were in our possession by two o'clock ; the
Chinese troops were completely dispersed and panic
struck, many of the high officers being killed , and the
whole people in the utmost consternation.
Captain Herbert retained possession of the town
with the marines during the remainder of the day,
and in the evening Sir Hugh Gough crossed over from
the opposite side with a few of his troops, and joined
Captain Herbert. The rest of our men bivouacked for
the night upon the hills they bad so bravely taken .
The total number of guns which were found in the
different works were no less than one hundred and
fifty-seven pieces, of which sixty -seven were brass,
many being very well cast, and of great weight. In the
city was also discovered a cannon foundry, with every
preparation for the casting of a great number of guns,,
including a large quantity of metal. There was like
wise some copper ore found in the town, and a tolerable
addition to the prize fund was thus secured.
FALL OF CHINHAE. 223
The loss on our side was inconsiderable, amounting
to three men killed and sixteen wounded, including one
officer, Lieutenant Montgomerie, of the 49th regiment,
which bore the principal brunt of the day. The loss
of the Chinese is very difficult to estimate. But it
amounted to several hundred killed and wounded, in
the operations on both sides of the river.
Soon after the works were all in our possession, the
Nemesis was sent some way up the river, to explore the
navigation, having cleared for herself a passage through
the stakes ; and on her return to the Wellesley, late in
the day, the Admiral, accompanied by Sir Henry Pot
tinger, proceeded in her to examine the river again.
If we may judge from the various memorials pre
sented to the Emperor, after the fall of Chinhae, and
his Majesty's replies to some of them, we must at once
perceive how great a sensation the loss of this impor
tant place had made upon the people throughout the
entire province. They were now alarmed for the safety
even of Hang-Chow-Foo, the capital city. Nevertheless,
.
the Emperor, far from showing any inclination to yield ,
continued to urge on more strenuously than ever the
most extensive preparations for the defence of the
province.
The death of the Imperial Commissioner, Yu-Keen ,
however, by suicide, immediately after the loss of
Chinhae, seems to have awakened a feeling of com
passion in the imperial bosom . His Majesty called to
mind the death of the Commissioner's grandfather, in
the same manner, during the reign of Kienlung ; and
directed that his departed servant, “ who gave his life
224 SUICIDE OF YU - KEEN .
for his country, ” should receive funeral honours of a
high class, in the same temple of “ faithful ministers,
in which his ancestor had already found a place.
The local officers were to pay every honour to his
remains, in all the towns through which his body
might pass on its way to Pekin . His Majesty further