1842.
Last Ten Years, from 1832 to 1841.
579
26th. The island of Hongkong was this day taken peaceable possession of in the naine of her Britannic majesty, queen Victoria, with the formalities of hoisting the Union Jack, royal salute, &c.
27th. An interview took place near the pagoda at the Second Bar, on the river of Canton, between Kishen and captain Elliot.
29th. Captain Elliot issued a proclamation, providing for the go- vernment of the island of Hongkong. Vol. X., p. 63.
30th. Captain Elliot, on his return from the interview with Kí- shen, issued the following
64 CIRCULAR TO HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S RUBJECTS.
"The plenipotentiary acquaints H. M. subjects that the negotiations with the imperial commissioner proceed satisfactorily. Learning, however, that H. M. sub. jects are preparing to go to Canton, he feels it his duty to declare, that if persons pursue that course before he publishes a declaration that he considers it safe and suitable, must be pleased to understand that they are acting contrary to his sense of what is right for the public interest, and must incur the whole risk and respon- sibility of their own proceedings.
(Signed)
Charles ElliOT, H. M. plenipotentiary,” February 1st. Their excellencies, the commander-in-chief, and plenipotentiary issued a proclamation to the Chinese of Hongkong, declaring them subjects of the queen of England, and giving them assurance of protection, &c.
11th. An imperial edict was received by Kishen, blaming him for having solicited an extension of favor towards the English, and declaring that he had only pretended to promise, &c. Vol. X., p. 19. 13th. H. M. plenipotentiary held a second interview with Kishen. He returned to Macao on the 15th.
18th. The boat of the steamer Nemesis was fired at from the fort upon Wangtong.
19th. A circular was issued at Macao by captain Elliot, giving information of the commander-in-chief's intention to move his forces towards the Bogue, which was accordingly done.
23d. Hostilities resumed against the Chinese, Kíshen having failed to conclude the treaty of peace previously agreed on.
24th. The island of Chusan was this day evacuated by the British troops, the Chinese having previously released the prisoners in their possession. Capt. Anstruther, Mrs. Noble, and the other prisoners at Ningpo reached the shipping after the island was evacuated. Vol. X., pp. 184, 191.
25th. Rewards were offered by the Chinese authorities at Canton, for Englishmen, dead or alive: $50,000 were to be paid for the ring- leaders Vol. X., pp. 120, 174.