"Atalanta."
"Queen" "Madagascar." "Nemesis."
26
Phlegethon." "Proserpine."
No. 16.
No. 78.
Nos. 79 and 80.
Nos. 10 to 15.
10
CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO
resources those authorities have reason to reckon upon from England or New South Wales, as well as from India.
16. The Marine Board have been requested to furnish statements showing the quantity of coal available in China, the estimated consumption per month for the steamers named in the margin, the quantity in store at Singapore (which is believed to be large, and to have been promised at a cheap rate) and the quantity in store at Point de Galle. We have at the same time intimated to the Marine Board that a despatch from Sidney of from 200 to 400 tons monthly may be calculated on, and have communicated to Her Majesty's Plenipotentiaries and the Board, our opinion that a well-protected depôt for coals should be established at Hong Kong, when our settlement on that island has been matured. Your Committee will perceive from the document noted in the margin, that Mr. Bonham had purchased between 700 and 800 tons at six dollars per ton, which he expected soon to despatch to China.
17. We have likewise requested the Accountant-general to forward to us a return, exhibiting a statement of the entire expense incurred on account of Her Majesty's Government for the China expedition, with a view to enable your Committee to take such measures for the progressive adjustment of the sums at the debit of Her Majesty's Government, as you may deem most proper.
18. In this statement will be entered the lists and valuations of military and ordnance stores expended and returned, the charges for extra pay of troops, the hire of the transports, and other marine charges; value of commissariat supplies provided at the cost of the Indian Government; value of coal and marine supplies, and wear and tear of steamers, &c. calculated at the rate of 10 per cent. on the block and rigging.
19. We have requested the Government of Bombay to have arrangements in readiness for the quick conveyance to his destination of any successor to Admiral Elliot, who may come overland from England.
20. Certain proposed arrangements for the better conduct of the post-office, distribution of letters in China, and the establishment of a post-office at Hong Kong, are in contemplation.
21. The papers here cited, contain various instructions we have issued to the Board and departments concerned, calling upon them to strain every nerve to expedite the completion of the arrangements devolving upon them respectively for affording aid and despatching reinforcements to the China expedition, and pointing out the very urgent necessity on the present occasion, of more than ordinary exertion in behalf of the public service.
22. In conclusion, we beg, in an Appendix, to annex for the information of your Committee, and as affording the means of a ready reference to detail, a précis on the following points not particularised in the foregoing portion of this despatch:
1. Ordnance stores.
2. Commissariat stores.
3. Medical stores.
4. Coal from the marine stores.
23. Copies of all the correspondence above referred to, that has passed in regard to the China expedition, and its reinforcement, since the arrival of Sir Gordon Bremer (i.e. since the last mail left Calcutta), are transmitted with our present despatch.
To the Secret Committee.
We have, &c.
(signed)
Auckland. J. Nicolls.
W. W. Bird.
W. Casement.
H. T. Princep.
MILITARY OPERATIONS IN CHINA.
-No. 3.-
Copy of a LETTER from the Right Honourable Sir John Hobhouse to
My Lord,
the Earl of Auckland.
India Board, 5 July 1841.
11
250
No. 3.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 10th of May 1841, inclosing a copy of the letters which you have addressed to Her Majesty's Plenipotentiaries on the Coast of China, and also to Sir Gordon Bremer and Sir Hugh Gough of the same date.
Auckland,
5 July 1841.
I beg to inform you that I have, in compliance with your wishes, submitted these important documents to the Queen's Government, and, more particularly to Viscount Palmerston.
I have also to acknowledge the receipt of another letter from your Lordship of the same date, respecting the services of the Royal Marines. I have transmitted it, with its enclosures, to the Earl of Minto.
I have, &c.
John Hobhouse.
(signed)
-No. 4.-
EXTRACT of a LETTER from the Secret Committee to the Governor-General of India in Council, dated 5 July 1841.
No. 4.
Your letter of the 12th of May, (No. 40,) with its enclosures, relating to the expedition to China, has been transmitted to the Admiralty. Her Majesty's Government are fully sensible of the exertions you have made for the accomplishment of the objects contemplated by the operations now carried on in the China Sea.
(No. 7.)
Sir,
No. 5.
Copy of a LETTER from Sir John Barrow to Rear-Admiral Sir William Parker, K.C.B.
No. 5.
Admiralty, 28 May 1841. My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty not having received any returns of the actual state of victualling of Her Majesty's ships employed on the East India station since the expedition was first sent to China, I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you that no further supplies of provisions will be sent out from this country either to India or China, until information has been received from you after your arrival in India of what you may consider to be necessary; and I am to desire that you will make a communication upon this subject as early as possible.
I have, &c. (signed) Jno. Barrow.
To this Letter is appended-
A List of Military Stores shipped on board the vessels, “Mermaid” and “David Malcolm,” "John Adam:" also,
A List of Ordnance Stores, &c., to be sent: also,
A Statement of the Balance of Provisions on board the various transports on the 1st of March 1841, and the length of time they are calculated to last 1,500 Europeans: also,
A Statement of the Balance of Provisions on board the various transports on the 1st of March 1841, and the length of time they are calculated to last 1,500 Natives; also,
List of Supplies about to be sent;-3,000 gallons of Arrack (from Singapore), three months' supply of Vinegar and Lime-juice for 7,500 fighting Men: also,
A List of Stores, &c., to be taken to China in the "Palmyra" transport, expected to sail about the 10th of February 1841: also,
A List of Medical Stores about to be despatched for China: also,
A Statement showing the quantities of Medical Stores and Hospital Comforts required (and to be sent) for a Queen's Corps on Foreign Service, calculated at the strength of 800 Men for six months. Maximum number in Hospital, 150 Men: also,
Abstract of the foregoing Statement for four European Regiments, Her Majesty's 26th, 49th, 18th and 55th, and Bazaar Medicines for the whole force; and,
A Statement of Coal from Marine Stores.
(No. 16.)
-
No. 6.
EXTRACT of a DESPATCH from Viscount Palmerston to Sir Henry Pottinger, Bart., dated Foreign Office, 31 May 1841.
No. 6.
As you are now on the point of setting out for China, I proceed to give you final instructions for your guidance in the performance of the duties with which you are charged.
Viscount Palmerston to Sir Henry Pottinger, 31 May 1841.
As it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government that all the arrangements connected with the naval and military force to be employed in the China Seas in support of your negotiation shall be left to be made by the Governor-general of India, it is desirable that Sir William Parker should go to Calcutta in his way to China, in order to confer with the Governor-general, unless he should find that, by doing so, he should be so much delayed in his voyage as not to be able to reach Chusan in time to go on to the Peiho; and if Sir William Parker should determine to go to Calcutta, it is desirable that you should go thither also, as there are many points connected with your negotiation, upon which it would be useful that you should have personal communication with the Governor-general.
It is not expedient that you should arrive on the coast of China, nor that you should begin your negotiation, until there shall be in the China Sea such a naval
596.
B 2
and
"Atalanta."
"Queen" "Madagascar." "Nemesis."
26
Phlegethon." "Proserpine."
No. 16.
No. 78.
Nos. 79 and 80.
Nos. 10 to 15.
10
CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO
resources those authorities have reason to reckon upon from England or New South Wales, as well as from India.
16. The Marine Board have been requested to furnish statements showing the quantity of coal available in China, the estimated consumption per month for the steamers named in the margin, the quantity in store at Singapore (which is believed to be large, and to have been promised at a cheap rate) and the quantity in store at Point de Galle. We have at the same time intimated to the Marine Board that a despatch from Sidney of from 200 to 400 tons monthly may be calculated on, and have communicated to Her Majesty's Plenipo- tentiaries and the Board, our opinion that a well protected depôt for coals should be esta- blished at Hong Kong, when our settlement on that island has been matured. Your Committee will perceive from the document noted in the margin, that Mr. Bonham had purchased between 700 and 800 tons at six dollars per ton, which he expected soon to despatch to China.
quarterly 17. We have likewise requested the Accountant-general to forward to us a return, exhibiting a statement of the entire expense incurred on account of Her Majesty's Government for the China expedition, with a view to enable your Committee to take such measures for the progressive adjustment of the sums at the debit of Her Majesty's Govern- meat, as you may deem most proper.
18. In this statement will be entered the lists and valuations of military and ordnance stores expended and returned, the charges for extra pay of troops, the hire of the transports, and other marine charges; value of commissariat supplies provided at the cost of the Indian Government; value of coal and marine supplies, and wear and tear of steamers, &c. calculated at the rate of 10 per cent. on the block and rigging.
19. We have requested the Government of Bombay to have arrangements in readiness for the quick conveyance to his destination of any successor to Admiral Elliot, who may come overland from England.
20. Certain proposed arrangements for the better conduct of the post-office, distribution of letters in China, and the establishment of a post-office at Hong Kong, are in contem- plation.
21. The papers here cited, contain various instructions we have issued to the Board and departments concerned, calling upon them to strain every nerve to expedite the completion of the arrangements devolving upon them respectively for affording aid and despatching reinforcements to the China expedition, and pointing out the very urgent necessity on the present occasion, of more than ordinary exertion in behalf of the public service.
22. In conclusion, we beg,in an Appendix, to annex for the information of your Committee, and as affording the means of a ready reference to detail, a précis on the following points not particularised in the foregoing portion of this depatch:
1. Ordnance stores.
2. Commissariat stores.
3. Medical stores.
4. Coal from the marine stores.
23. Copies of all the correspondence above referred to, that has passed in regard to the China expedition, and its reinforcement, since the arrival of Sir Gordon Bremer (i.c. since the jast mail left Calcutta), are transmitted with our present despatch.
To the Secret Committee.
We have, &c.
(signed)
Auckland. J. Nicolls.
W. W. Bird.
W. Casement.
H. T. Princep.
MILITARY OPERATIONS IN CHINA.
-No. 3.-
Cory of a LETTER from the Right Honourable Sir John Hobhouse to
My Lord,
the Earl of Auckland.
India Board, 5 July 1841.
11
250
No. 3.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the Letter from 10th of May 1841, inclosing a copy of the letters which you have addressed to Sir John Hobhouse Her Majesty's Plenipotentiaries on the Coast of China, and also to Sir Gordon to the Earl of Bremer and Sir Hugh Gough of the same date.
Auckland,
5 July 1841.
I beg to inform you that I have, in compliance with your wishes, submitted these important documents to the Queen's Government, and, more particularly to Viscount Palmerston.
I have also to acknowledge the receipt of another letter from your Lordship of the same date, respecting the services of the Royal Marines. I have transmitted it, with its enclosures, to the Earl of Minto.
I have, &c.
John Hobhouse.
(signed)
-No. 4.-
EXTRACT of a LETTER from the Secret Committee to the Governor-General of India in Council, dated 5 July 1841.
No. 4.
Your letter of the 12th of May, (No. 40,) with its enclosures, relating to the Secret Committee expedition to China, has been transmitted to the Admiralty. Her Majesty's to the Governor- Government are fully sensible of the exertions you have made for the accom- General.
5 July 1841. plishment of the objects contemplated by the operations now carried on in the China Sea.
(No. 7.)
Sir,
No. 5.
Copy of a LETTER from Sir John Barrow to Rear-Admiral Sir William Parker, K. C. B.
No. 5.
Admiralty, 28 May 1841. My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty not having received any returns Sir John Barrow
of the actual state of victualling of Her Majesty's ships employed on the East to Sir W. Parker, India station since the expedition was first sent to China, I am commanded by 28 May 1841. their Lordships to acquaint you that no further supplies of provisions will be sent out from this country either to India or China, until information has been received from you after your arrival in India of what you may consider to be necessary; and I am to desire that you will make a communication upon this subject as early as possible.
I have, &c. (signed) Jno. Barrow.
To this Letter is appended-
A List of Military Stores shipped on board the vessels, “Mermaid” and “David
Malcolm," "John Adam :" also,
A. List of Ordnance Stores, &c., to be sent: also,
A Statement of the Balance of Provisions on board the various transports on the 1st of March 1841, and the length of time they are calculated. to last 1,500 Europeans: also,
A Stateinent of the Balance of Provisions on board the various transports on the 1st of March 1841, and the length of time they are calculated to last 1,500 Natives; also,
List of Supplies about to be sent;-3,000 gallons of Arrack (from Singapore), three
months' supply of Vinegar and Lime-juice for 7,500 fighting Men: also,
A List of Stores, &c., to be taken to China in the "Palmyra" transport, expected to
sail about the 10th of February 1841: also,
A List of Medical Stores about to be despatched for China: also,
A Statement showing the quantities of Medical Stores and Hospital Comforts required (and to be sent) for a Queen's Corps on Foreign Service, calculated at the strength of 800 Men for six months. Maximum number in Hospital, 150 Men: also,
Abstract of the foregoing Statement for four European Regiments, Her Majesty's
26th, 49th, 18th and 55th, and Bazaar Medicines for the whole force; and, A Statement of Coal from Marine Stores.
(No. 16.)
-
- No. 6.
EXTRACT of a DESPATCH from Viscount Palmerston to Sir Henry Pottinger, Bart., dated Foreign Office, 31 May 1841.
No. 6. As you are now on the point of setting out for China, I proceed to give you Viscount Palmer- final instructions for your guidance in the performance of the duties with which ston to Sir Henry you are charged.
Pottinger, 31 May 1841.
*
As it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government that all the arrangements connected with the naval and military force to be employed in the China Seas in support of your negotiation shall be left to be made by the Governor-general of India, it is desirable that Sir William Parker should go to Calcutta in his way to China, in order to confer with the Governor-general, unless he should find that, by doing so, he should be so much delayed in his voyage as not to be able to reach Chusan in time to go on to the Peiho; and if Sir William Parker should determine to go to Calcutta, it is desirable that you should go thither also, as there are many points connected with your negotiation, upon which it would be useful that you should have personal communication with the Governor-general.
It is not expedient that you should arrive on the coast of China, nor that you should begin your negotiation, until there shall be in the China Sea such a naval
596.
B 2
and
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