THE
CHINESE REPOSITORY.
VOL. X.-SEPTEMBER, 1841.- No. 9.
ART. 1.
Reminiscences of Chusan, during its occupation by the British in 1840-41. From a Correspondent.
THE hearts of all the people in the fleet beat high, when the ships had assembled at Buffaloe's Nose. This island is remarkable for a per- forated rock, which forms an extensive cavern that shows to great advantage when one is coming in from sea. The spot itself is hilly, and produces only a few vegetables, with a little rice sufficient for its poor inhabitants. For the benefit of mariners it may be remarked, that there is a mountain streamlet containing abundance of water, clear as crystal, where any quantity may be obtained at the lowest ebb, by merely damming up the rill. There is another watering place, though not available at low tides, on the side which fronts the main. As there are few natives living on the island, water may al- ways be procured here with the greatest ease, and without fear of molestation.
Several communications now took place between the commanders of the squadron, and slow was our movement towards the place of our destination. We came across a fisherman, a poor ignorant man, who however understood very well the depth of the water, and could also point out various dangers; but there his knowledge ended. When he first came on board the Wellesley, he was quite bewilder- ed, and really imagined that his life would fall a sacrifice to the ruth- less barbarians. But by degrees he became more composed.. The visions of dreadful revenge, on the part of the Chinese officers, now started up before him, and he began to quake. Once he even point-
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