1812.
Journal of Occurrences.
619
northern angle of the city, where the troops were escalading. This was done in admirable style, the Chinese fighting desperately, and the party, cutting its way, moved on towards the gate; which, by the attacking party on that side, had been blown up and entered. It was now near two o'clock, and the British were nearly masters of the city, only one party of the Chinese still holding out. A few brave soldiers had collected within the walls, not far from the southwest angle of the city. Captain Collinson and lieutenant Gibbons fell in overcoming these.
On the whole, perhaps, the scenes of this day, July 21st, 1842, were more remarkable than those of any other day since the war began. The weather was intensely hot, a score or more of the troops perished by the heat alone. The opposition was more determined than had before been experienced, and the losses in overcoming it greater. The Tartar city was larger than that of Chápú, and the self-inimolation is said to have been fifty times greater. During the day, several very spirited conflicts were witnessed; some in single combat; others in small parties. The Blonde's boats, in going up a creek, met a Tartar,' and smart work followed. The most gallant action was the escalad. ing. To the other means of havoc, the setting on fire of houses increased the destruction of property, especially in the suburbs. Most of the British troops remained in the city during the night.
Augus: 33, a part of the flest got under weigh, and the remainder destined for Nanking, followed next day, leaving strong detachments at Chinkiảng. By the 9th the whole had arrived, and the debarka. tion began. The city of Nanking is some three miles from the river; but there are outer walls, some parts of which are not above 1000 yards from the water. On the 11th, all things were in readiness for an attack. The Chinese commissioners now saw that they had no time for delay. The white flag was hung out, and several friendly con- ferences ensued, ending on the 29.h by formally signing and sealing of a treaty of peace. The imperial commissioners Kíying and ľlípú, and the governor of the two Kiáng, first put their signatures to the treaty, and then sir Henry added his. This was done on board H. M. ship Cornwallis 74, when, with the imperial yellow flag and the union jack both flying, a royal salute of 21 guns was fired.
The news of this transaction reached Hongkong on the morning of the 9th instant, by the steamer Sesostris; and the report of the em peror's approval, brought by major Malcolm, secretary of legation, arrived there in the Auckland, at 5 P. M. on the 23d: captain Whittingham, aid-de-camp to sir Hugh Gough, and captain Richards