The French army commenced a bombardment of Hung-Hoa, firing six field guns at a bamboo bridge over the Song-coi River, approximately 5,000 yards away. Another battery targeted the tower of Hang-Hoa, 1,500 yards farther, despite difficulty distinguishing it from the surrounding foliage. Brière de l'Isle's battery focused on a nearby fort, an earthwork on elevated ground defended by a lake and paddy fields, which seemingly lacked effective guns.
The Chinamen in Hung-Hoa remained passive, not returning fire, and instead hoisted numerous flags of various colors, possibly as a chivalric indication for the French gunners or a Machi. iavellian tactic to draw fire away from populated areas. The French continued firing throughout the day, expending over 800 shells, but the Chinamen maintained their composure.
As the day progressed, General Brière de l'Isle initiated the passage of the Black River at Bat Bac, but encountered difficulties, losing three men who drowned. The Chinese, unable to endure the prolonged shelling, suddenly set fire to the town in multiple locations at half-past four. The forts were subsequently blown up, and the garrison began to cross the bridge in large numbers.
The French batteries intensified their fire, targeting the bridge, but the Chinamen continued to cross without breaking into a run. By five o'clock, the evacuation was complete, and the French gunners ceased fire.
The next morning, French troops crossed the Riviere Noire and marched towards Hung-Hoa, finding the country deserted. Upon reaching the outworks, they were surprised to discover magnificent fortifications constructed according to European military science, complete with abattis, casemates, and parallels.
The French realized that the Chinese had abandoned the fortifications without a struggle, likely due to the overwhelming French numbers and the flank march of General Brière de l'Isle. The Chinese had also removed or destroyed their guns and equipment.
The town of Hung-Hoa was found to be in ruins, with everything burnt or destroyed. The citadel, built on the same lines as that at Soutay, contained only a few remaining houses and the tower. The Royal Pagoda, rice stores, powder magazines, and treasury had all been burnt.
The Chinese had executed a thorough retreat, destroying or removing all valuable or useful items. The village of Ban-Nguyen on the other side of the river had also been burnt, and attempts had been made to blow up the fortifications.
Page 1574
44
possibly