578
Review of Public Occurrences During the
Nov
This edict, elicited by reports which had been sent up to the em- peror, both from Chekiáng by Liú the It.-governor, and from Canton by Kishen, virtually nullified the armistice which had been agreed upon previously, and announced to the Chinese in an edict of Nov. 17th, 1840.
7th. A circular was issued at Macao announcing to the British residents there the fall of the forts at Chuenpí.
"Negotiations having been interrupted, the positions of Chuenpi and Táicock. tow were simultaneously attacked this morning by sea and land, and have both fallen to H. M.'s arms. It will be very satisfactory to H. M.'s subjects to learn that this gallant achievement was effected with trifling loss, notwithstanding an obstinate and honorable defense at all points.
(Signed)
“Charles ElLIOT, H. M.'s plenipotentiary.
H. M. ship Wellesley, at anchor in Anson's bay, 7th January, 1841." The details of this engagement are to be found in vol. X., page 37. While the forces were getting ready to advance to the attack on the forts at the Bogue, his excellency admiral Kwán sought an armistice, which was agreed to, and announced by a second circular, dated off Anunghoy, on board H. M.'s ship Wellesley.
"A communication has been received from the Chinese commander-in-chief, which has led to an armistice, with the purpose to afford the high commissioner time to consider certain conditions now offered for his acceptance.
(Signed)
“Charles EllIOT, H. M. plenipotentiary."
On this same day, the 8th, Kishen sent up a memorial to the throne, regarding the attack on the forts at Chuenpí. This and the imperial replies are in vol. X., p. 108.
9th. Sundry merchants in Macao addressed sir Gordon Bremer, remonstrating against the permission of egress from the river of the American merchantmen Kosciusko and Panama. C. Reg., Mar. 9th. 20th. A circular was issued to her Britannic majesty's plenipoten- tiary in Macao, announcing the conclusion of preliminary arrange- ments between the imperial commissioner and himself, involving the conditions of a treaty, in which it was agreed on the part of the Chi- nese that the island and harbor of Hongkong were to be ceded to the British crown, six millions of indemnity to be paid by the Chinese, direct official intercourse allowed on equal terms, and the trade of the port to be opened in ten days. Vol. X., p. 63.
21st. The British colors, which for several days had been flying over the demolished forts at Chuenpí, were hauled down, and the forces retired from the mouth of the river.
23d.
H. M. brig Columbine, comd. Clarke, was dispatched to Chusan, with dispatches requiring its evacuation by the British.