55
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that night His Excellency despatched 100 men of the Hongkong Regiment overland to the spot, and requested that "Fame" might convey stores for them on the 15th as the nature of the country rendered it impossible for them to be taken by the troops themselves. "Solent" started but had to put back on account of weather, so the men would have been without food. On arrival at Tai-po-hu on the afternoon of 15th, the hills were found to be crowned by a force of about 1000 Chinese in uniform, who were firing into the camp. Being asked by the Officer Commanding troops to co-operate, Lieutenant Keyes opened fire with "Fame's" 12 pr. guns and silenced a jingall battery. He also landed with a party of men and assisted the troops in their advance to clear the hills, which was effectually done. On the report of this occurrence reaching His Excellency he decided that the Flag should be hoisted on 16th instead of 17th as he would be more free to act against the enemy after the territory had passed into British possession.
and
I had previously detailed "Brisk", "Humber", "Peacock" to be present at the ceremony, but owing to the changed circumstances I decided that "Brisk" should proceed there alone on 16th. His Excellency Major General Gascoigne, Hon. Stewart Lockhart and myself accordingly embarked in her and proceeded to Tai-po-hu where the Flag was hoisted with no opposition, in fact there was not a sign of the enemy. A further detachment of the Hongkong Regiment and a company of the Asiatic Artillery had also arrived overland. I returned the same evening in "Brisk". In the meantime at Hongkong His Excellency wished the Flag to be shown off Kowloon City, and "Peacock" was towed there, as she had not raised steam
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