181
Journal of Occurrences
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sounding between the anchorage of the ships and the shore, which enabled the Cornwallis, Blonde, and Modeste, while the troops were landing, to take up excel. lent positions against the sea batteries, consisting of two works mounting seven and five guns, about one third of the way up a steep hill, at the eastern extremity of the suburb, and crowned with a joss house, occupied by a large body of men'; and three other inasked batteries mounting thirty guns, in front of the suburbs; making a total of forty-two guns of different calibre. These all were thronged with Chinese soldiers, who also lined their defences on the heights, to a considerable extent, with matchlock men and numerous jinjalls.
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'Against these field works, the Sesostris was anchored, for the purpose of dis- persing them with shells as our troops advanced; and the inhabitants of the suburbs and city were duly warned to retire out of the line of our fire.
(Signed)
A truc extract.
"By the exertions of the Nemesis, Phlegethon, and Queen, steamers, and the boats of the covering vessels Starling, Columbine, Bentinck, and Algerine, together with those of the transports, conducted by licut. Somerville, the troops were all put on shore in admirable order, under the able direction of commander Charles Richards of the Cornwallis, before nine o'clock, when the general, with his ac. customed energy, immediately pushed forward at their head; the ships, by a pre- concerted signal, opening their fire at the same time on the batteries. A few shot however put the men stationed in them, and at the Joss house on the summit of the hill opposite to us, to a precipitate flight, and not a moment was lost in land. ing the scainen and marines of the squadron, under captain Bourchier of the Blonde and the officers named in the accompanying list, who got possession of the batteries before the mines which were prepared in them could be sprung, and having succeeded in cutting off several of the Chinese troops that were endeavor- ing to reach the suburbs, joined our land forces on their approach to the city. "WILLIAM PARKER, Vice-admiral." G. A. MALCOLM, Secretary of Legation. Dated head-quarters, Chápú, May 21st, 1842. "The fleet arrived at an anchorage, thirteen miles from this, on the 14th instant. On the 16th his excellency, sir Wm. Parker and myself reconnoitred the defences of Chápu; when we made our dispositions for its attack. On the 17th, the fleet came to anchor about four miles to the east of the city;—and the troops were ordered to prepare to land at daylight next morning. By 8 o'clock on the 18th, every man was on shore without being opposed. By ten o'clock, the whole range of heights and fortified encampments, forming the principal military defences of Chápu, were in our possession, and by 12, I was on the walls of the city,-having escaladed the castern angle during the confusion and panic occasioned by the previous attacks; and having cut off the retreat of a large portion of those who defended the heights, which fortunately were the enemy's best troops composed of Mantchon Tartars. The Chinese had about 8000 regulars, 1700 of whom were Tartars. Their loss must have been very great, as we have buried from 1200 to 1500 men; we have made but few prisoners, and those are principally wounded. From 80 to 90 guns have fallen into our hands; ail of which I am in the act of destroying, expect the brass. Vast quantities of jinjalls, with some thousands of matchlocks, and innumerable bows and arrows, have also fallen into our hands; as have also a foundery, gunpowder manufactory, together with several arsenals, which shall all be destroyed.
“I regret to add, that this has not been effected without a greater loss than 1 anticipated. One officer, one sergeant, and 7 men killed; seven officers, one ser- jeant, and 42 men wounded, of the military arm; and about 5 of the marines and scamen. In the list of killed, I feel deep regret in naming 11.-colonel Tomlinson, an officer of high promise. Amongst the wounded are It..col. Mountain, deputy adjt..general, a very superior staff officer, who has received three rather severe wounds; and captain Campbell, 55th, a most zealous officer.
..
(Signed)
"Hron Gougn.
Lt.gen. Commanding Land Forces Eastern Expedition." True Extract,
G. A. MALCOLM, Secretary of Legation. GENERAL ÖRDERS.
By his exet flener heute ral, sir Hugh Gough. 6. C. R., commanding expedi mary land force, dated head quarters, Chapir city, 19th May, 1842
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