1841.
Progress of the Expedition to China.
627
The transports are to be anchored to the eastward of the Triangles; the Cruizer, Columbine, and Bentinck to take positions off the creek, inside those islands, for covering the landing of the troops. The Cruizer to be as far advanced to the westward and entrance of the harbor as may be practicable, without being exposed to the fire of the batteries in the harbor.
The Sesostris to anchor off the north side of Passage island to shell the citadel and battery on the eastern end, and if possible to flank the batteries on the right bank of the river.
The Queen to place herself inside the Triangles, as far advanced as may be practicable for bursting shells in the encampment of the Chinese towards the fortified hill, and to clear the southeast part of the Citadel hill, should the Chinese be driven on that side by the fire of the ships to the northward; also to shell the batteries on the town side which defends the entrance of the harbor. The Phle- gethon and Nemesis to proceed to support the Queen (on receiving directions to do so from commanders Giffard or Clarke,) as soon as all the troops are landed; and a strict lookout is to be kept for the recall of either of the steamers, and to repeat any signal made by the ship to the northward.
·
Whenever the surrender of the citadel, or the advance of the troops, causes the Chinese to give way from their batteries in the harbor, or that they can be ap- proached with advantage, the Cruizer, Columbine, and Bentinck are to proceed in- side, and commander Giffard will take care always to have one vessel in a position to keep up the communication with the general.
The foregoing outline will be sufficient to apprize the respective captains and officers of the contemplated operations, but the duration of the fire of the ships, and any alterations of their position, must of course be governed by their discré- tion, to meet any change of circumstances.
The following number of seamen and marines are to form the landing party under the command of captain Herbert of the Blenheim, and to take with them one day's provision. From the Wellesley and Blenheim each 150, from the Blonde 50, and the Modeste 20; making in all 370 seamen, with a proper proportion of offì- Marines the same as detailed in my memo. of the 25th of September. The marines from the Cruizer and Columbine are to be sent this evening to the Wel- lesley by one of the small steamers.
cers.
(Signed)
W. PARKER, Rear-admiral.
To the captains, commanders, and commanding officers of the ships and vessels.
i
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-quarters, H. M. S. Wellesley, Oct. 9th, 1841. Attack. The following is the proposed order of the landing for the attack of the citadel and fortified heights of Chinhae. The troops with the seamen's bat- talion and royal marines to land in three columns.
Left column with which major-general sir Hugh Gough will land.
Madras artillery and gun-lascars
Royal artillery
Sappers
H. M.'s 55th regiment
H. M.'s 18th regiment
Rifles
7 Officers. 104 Rank and file
4
4
100
18
417
12
280
4
110
Total
46
1015
Ordnance. Four 4 2.5 mountain howitzer”, and two 54 inch mortars. Doolie
bearers and natives to carry shot, 112.