110
4.
Memorial from Keshen.
FEE!
The fort of Shakok stood solitary, cut off by the sea; and it is to be observed, that, before this collision, from apprehension that it was insufficiently protected, 200 men of the lieut.-governor's brigade had been sent to occupy the important entrance into Tungkwăn district; and 200 of the personal brigade of the commander-in-chief had been sent to defend such places as should need increased protection.
The fortified point of Taikok nearly adjoins the range of land call- ed Nansha (the southern sands), and it is to be apprehended, lest the said foreigners, making a cireuit behind the hills should make their way inwards. Having sent an express to your majesty's minister, Kwan, the commander-in-chief, to inquire of him what points will require the addition of forces, he has himself personally examined those positions near to that place, where it will be suitable to post military guards, and having reported the same he has received in- structions accordingly to post forces thereat. At the same time direc- tions have been given, to prepare, with all celerity, large quantities of gunpowder, iron ball, and so forth, sufficient, it is hoped, for many months' use,-in order thus to facilitate the defense of the various places.
卜
The Bocca Tigris is the post of which the commander-in-chief retains the defense. To cooperate with and aid him in its defense, your slave has sent Le, general of the Chaouchow division, who will be able to give him efficient counsel and assistance.
+
A detachment of naval forces has also been posted on shore at Woochung kow, distant about sixty le (roughly, about 20 miles) from the city of Canton; the river has been filled up by sinking stones ; and rafts of spars have been so placed as to prevent any passage beyond. These arrangements were all, on the 27th of December, successively reported complete, under the superintendence of the chungheë, Keshow, and the foosze, Cho Szeleäng.
>
At Canton itself, adjoining the walls of the city, are the houses of the people, rendering it a matter of difficulty to fire from thence. But at the same time, the river flows all round, leaving no place for the encampment of troops. There are found, however, on the river Jitself, forts of old standing, for the better defense of which the gar- risons have been increased;—and to such as have flats adjoining khem, encamped forces have also been attached, to aid in the defense
of each pluco. 1:
With regard to the provinces of Fuhkeën and Chěkeáng, your slave, as early as the first decade of last month (the close of Novem- ber), having carefully inquired into the actual and daily more press-