which had been described to me as a troublesome city, and thence to march direct on Sham chun keeping parallel with the river, and meeting the other two columns as arranged. I was accompanied by Major Somerville The King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, of Your Excellency's Staff who rendered me the utmost assistance. Thus I was able by the simultaneous march of these three columns to sweep a vast extent of country. The three columns arrived practically together, and the impression I received was that our arrival was completely unexpected. We encountered no opposition whatever: so far from that: I should judge from the demeanour of the inhabitants generally, that they were by no means inimical to our coming.
My impression is that they had suffered somewhat from the extortions of some 500 Chinese soldiers who were undoubtedly in the town, and that they were generally speaking glad of our arrival. I proceeded with my own column with a very scanty following as soon as I saw the general demeanour of the inhabitants, and I met with nothing but the utmost civility, and that before they could have become fully aware of the proximity of the troops.
As soon as all the troops had arrived I hoisted the flag: sent for all the elders of the town: assured them that all lives and property would be respected so long as the peace was kept: sent for the Officers in charge of the Chinese troops: went with them to their Armoury and found a number of soldiers, and a few arms, but on searching further I found about 170 rifles of good pattern: breech-loaders besides a good deal of rubbishy weapons. I took charge of these arms, and informed the troops that they must at once leave the City.
The Officers earnestly requested me to allow them to stay the night as they had nowhere to go to, and as it was getting late and the whole demeanour of the people was so peaceful, I acceded to this request, and ordered them to quit in the morning and this I believe was done. I issued a proclamation