[ { "id": 248777, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-076 - Individuals - 1859", "page_number": 380, "title": "CO129-076 - Individuals - 1859", "content_text": "which \n\nthe Foreign Office with whom all genshän relating to Such appointments would \n\nrest \n\n1 \n\nIn 7492159 \n\n: printed for house of femin \n\nCAPTAIN \n\nSERVICES \n\nOF \n\nWILLIAM \n\nOF THE \n\nforming \n\nSTEVENS, \n\nLAND TRANSPORT CORPS.\n\nEnlisted in the 49th Foot on the 18th April, 1834. Served in India and China (Medal) near 10 years, nine of which as a Non-Commissioned Officer, and purchasing his discharge as Color Serjeant, 15th December, 1843.\n\nServed under the Magistracy of Middlesex near 11 years as Statistical Clerk, (also a pensioned Service, and governed by Regulations, sanctioned by the Home Department) and was discharged at his own request, 23rd February, 1855, (vide Certificate annexed).\n\nRe-Enlisted in the Land Transport Corps, 24th February, 1855, and promoted from the ranks to Lieutenant, 24th April, 1855. As Acting Quarter Master—clothed, armed and equipped for the Field the Ist Levy of 2000 men, in addition to organizing the II. Division of 200 men, receiving the personal thanks of Captain Mundell, 96th Regiment, for the effective state in which they were handed over to his command, and while under orders to proceed to the East, 10th June, 1855, Telegraphed from Plymouth not to embark, being selected by his Commanding Officer to Recruit for the 2nd Levy, on account of the zealous and effective manner in which he had discharged the very arduous duties of Quarter Master, unassisted, and without extra pay, toiling from early morn till late at night—(Vide extract from Colonel Napier's note appended hereto). Raising in London the unprecedented number of 2200 Recruits (Note 1), in three months, and honorably mentioned to the Adjutant General as having performed that duty highly satisfactorily, not a single instance of a complaint having been advanced out of so numerous a body.\n\nRejoined the Depot at Horfield Barracks, Bristol, 30th November, 1855, and assumed command and payment of near 800 men till embarkation; attending at the ports of Plymouth and Portsmouth as Embarking Officer on several occasions (regimentally) during the months of December, January, February and March. Promoted to a Captaincy on the 25th January, 1856, and owing to the exigencies of the Service shortly after appointed Paymaster, and proceeded overland to the Crimea, on the 9th April, 1856, with 24 hours notice only, joining the 4th Battalion at Sebastopol, and returning to England the 6th August, 1856. Among the earliest to render his accounts, eventually audited without a single disallowance. On the reduction of the Corps was placed upon the Half-pay List, 1st April, 1857, for three years, being the only promotion from the ranks placed upon the temporary List (NOTE 2), although having enlisted prior to others in the same Corps, who had little or no service, and who likewise had not discharged so many and important duties, viz. :-The raising of 2200 men during the Russian War, and equipping the 1st Levy of a like number with such extraordinary speed, so that near 2200 men, Embarked in about three months from date of joining the Depots.\n\nA Board of Claims has been sitting in London for a Year past, to investigate the demands of the Men of the Land Transport Corps, before which not a single claim has been advanced against Captain Stevens, either in his capacity as a Quarter Master, Recruiting Officer, Captain of a Division, or Pay Master, as per following Certificate\n\n\"This is to Certify that no claims have been brought against Captain Stevens, late Pay Master, 4th Battalion, Land Transport Corps, during the time I have been President of the Board of Claims.\"\n\nGreat Queen Street, Westminster,\n\nBoard of Claims,\n\n19 January, 1858.\n\n(Signed)\n\nH. FRENCH,\n\nColonel and President.\n\nAppended are a few Testimonials in support of past Services and Claims upon the Government for a just consideration,\n\nNo. 1.\n\n\"I have much pleasure in Certifying that Mr. W. Stevens served in the 49th Regiment for 10 Years, and during a part of that time the Regiment was under my personal command, and I had many opportunities of observing his conduct and character generally. I considered him highly trustworthy, exact, and diligent in the performance of his duties, and altogether a respectable Man. He was discharged by purchase in the rank of Colour Sergeant.\"\n\nUnited Service Club, 2nd May, 1854.\n\n(Signed)\n\nE. F. MORRIS, Colonel,\n\nH. P. Unattached, late Comdg. 49th Foot.\n\nNOTE 1—Lieutenant Colonel Frazer of the 6th and Lieutenant Colonel Somerset of the 7th Foot sold their Commissions on return from the Cape and the Crimea, and as Civilians raised each 1000 men, receiving the Command of the respective Battalions above named for such service. These Gentlemen had in addition to the ordinary Levy money, the gift of ten Ensigns, each valued at about £4500, while Captain Stevens raised more than the number of the two Battalions, with only the same Levy Money, and solely by his own exertions, effected in the same period, yet awarded Temporary Half-pay for a similar, and in fact greater service, during the Crimea War.\n\nNOTE 2.—Lieutenants James and Edwards, Cornets Malley and Pegus, and others from the Police and Commissariat never in the Service.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-076 - Individuals - 1859.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 248778, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-076 - Individuals - 1859", "page_number": 381, "title": "CO129-076 - Individuals - 1859", "content_text": "No. 2.\n\nB\n\n\"I Certify that I have known Mr. W. Stevens (late Colour Sergeant, 49th Regiment) for eight years, during which period he served with his Corps in India, and with the expedition to China, and his character has always been that of a zealous, intelligent, and most trustworthy Man.”\n\nPortsmouth,\n\n24 March, 1844.\n\n(Signed)\n\nNo. 3.\n\nJ. THORNTON GRANT,\n\nCaptain, 49th Regiment.\n\nGreat Yarmouth,\n\n27 April, 1854.\n\nSIR,\n\n\"I have great pleasure in bearing testimony of the high character which you bore during the time you served in the 49th, and from being Adjutant of the Regiment, I had every opportunity of judging: and I may also add, that where Accounts are concerned, your services are of the highest order.\"\n\nMr. W. Stevens,\n\nlate Colour Sergt., 49th Regt.\n\n(Signed)\n\nNo. 4.\n\nW. P. K. BROWNE, Captain,\n\nAdjutant, E. Norfolk Militia.\n\n\"This is to Certify that Mr. W. Stevens served in the 49th Regiment 10 Years, the greater part of which as a Non-Commissioned Officer, during which time he always conducted himself as a diligent, sober, trustworthy, and intelligent Soldier, and from his long experience as a Clerk, and his superior acquirements as a Writer and Accountant, I consider him well qualified to fill any situation of trust.\"\n\nSt. Mary's Barracks, Chatham,\n\n25 April, 1854.\n\n(Signed) G. ROAD, Staff Adjutant,\n\nlate 49th Regiment.\n\nExtract from the Minutes of a meeting of the Middlesex Magistrates, at Cold Bath Fields, 2nd March, 1855.\n\n\"Certified that Mr. W. Stevens, served the County near 11 years, as Clerk, discharging his duties punctually and regularly, and that he left the Service at his own request on the 23rd February, 1855,'\n\n(Signed)\n\nC. WRIGHT,\n\nClerk to Visiting Justices.\n\nExtract of a Letter from Colonel Napier, 4th October, 1855.\n\nMY DEAR SIR,\n\n\"I wish you success, as I know you worked hard at Horfield.”\n\nNo. 5.\n\n1, Aberdeen Terrace, Clifton,\n\n24 December, 1856.\n\nIn reply to yours of 23rd instant, I have much pleasure in being able to testify to the zealous and attentive performance of your duties as Acting Quarter Master to the Depot of the Land Transport Corps while under my command.\n\nAt the time when I had the assistance of but few Officers, and when it required the greatest attention to duties of no ordinary nature, in equipping and preparing upwards of 2000 men for immediate and active duties in the Field, your assistance and aptitude for business contributed in a great way to this result.\n\nOn my receiving orders that the Corps was to be increased, I selected you as Recruiting Officer, in London, and you fully carried out my orders with respect to the class of men to be enlisted for this branch of the Service, you also, I am given to understand, rendered your Recruiting Accounts punctually and correctly.\n\nI have always found you willing and attentive in the performance of whatever duty you were directed to discharge, and I consider you from your general deportment and capabilities, fully equal to the position you now hold in Her Majesty's Service.\n\nCaptain W. Stevens.\n\nI have the honor to be, my dear Sir, &c., (Signed)\n\nP. J. IRELAND, Major,\n\nAttach'd as A. Adjt. Genl. L. T. C.\n\nWhen a Non-Commissioned Officer is promoted from the ranks, he remains an Officer for life, unless he resigns or is dismissed by Court Martial. If the exigencies of the Service require the reduction of the Corps to which he belongs, although he has not served three years as an Officer, (his case being a distinction from a Gentleman Commissioned from Civil Life), he must then be placed on Half-pay, at the rate of his rank prescribed by existing Regulations, and which only can be forfeited by a treasonable or felonious act.\n\nShould the Authorities not be disposed to re-employ this Officer in any Regiment or Corps, according to his rank, then the grant of Half-pay must be permanent, otherwise his Commission would be a delusion, a mockery, and a snare, and better that he had remained in the ranks, but which Her most Gracious Majesty's Sign Manual never intended.\n\nThe construction gathered from the rules of the Service-(Vide War Office Regulations, pages 4, 173, 174, 175, 176, 179; Articles 5, 14, 18, 19, 29, and other warrants having reference to promotion from the ranks.)\n\nent\n\ngranted by the forenine\n\n14\n\nSeelys 1859.\n\n375", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-076 - Individuals - 1859.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 250257, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "page_number": 407, "title": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "content_text": "405\n\n1\n\n4\n\nMarch on Tang-Chow and Action of 18th and 21st September. DESPATCH from Sir J. HOPE GRANT to Mr. Secretary HERBERT.\n\n(No. 46.)\n\nHead Quarters, Chang-tsia-wan, SIR,\n\nSeptember 20, 1860. I HAVE the honour to report that I left Tientsin on the 9th instant, with 700 Infantry, 600 Cavalry, and two batteries of Artillery; 3,000 French troops followed, one march behind me, and two days later Sir John Michel marched, with a regiment of Cavalry, a 9-pounder battery, and the 2nd Infantry Brigade.\n\nOn the 13th instant I reached Hoosciwoo, 40 miles from Tientsin, and as several letters had been received by Lord Elgin from some fresh Commissioners of high rank, I halted whilst Messrs. Parkes and Wade went on to meet them at Tang-chow, 25 miles distant. On the 15th these gentlemen returned, having made satisfactory arrangements with the Chinese Commissioners, by which it was agreed that the Allied Forces should halt at Chang-tsia-wan, five miles short of Tang-chow, to which place the Ambassadors should advance, with an escort, and sign the convention. On the 16th Sir J. Michel's force arrived, and on the 17th we encamped at Matow, five miles short of Chang-tsia-wan. The forces consisted of Lieutenant-Colonel Barry's Armstrong Battery, Captain Desborough's 9-pounders, Captain Stirling's 6-pounder Battery, the Cavalry Brigade, and the 2nd and 4th Infantry Brigades; and 1,200 French, with a light battery. From the above, however, three 6-pounders and the 60th Rifles had been left at Hooseiwoo, to hold that place, where I have a depôt.\n\nMr. Parkes rode on to Tang-chow to arrange matters for Lord Elgin's reception, and to make sure of the agreement as to our advance, that a collision might not take place by inadvertence; it having been settled that the Chinese army should fall back from Chang-tsia-wan. Mr. Parkes was accompanied by an escort of Fane's Horse, under Lieutenant Anderson, and by Mr. Loch, Private Secretary to Lord Elgin, On my part I sent Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, A.Q.M.G., to fix the site of our camp with the Chinese authorities, and D.-A.-C.-Gen. Thompson to receive the promised supplies for the force.\n\nAt daybreak on the 18th, I marched, and, after going about four miles, I came in sight of a very large force of Chinese, both Cavalry and Infantry. Whilst halting to form up my force, Mr. Loch galloped in with three sowars, and informed me that, on going into Tang-chow the previous day, they had found everything quiet on the road; the Commissioners had agreed to all Mr. Parkes' arrangements; and that, accordingly, leaving Lieutenant Anderson and his sowars at Tang-chow, Messrs. Parkes, Loch, Thompson, and Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, with five men of the King's Dragoon Guards, had come out to meet us and show us our camping ground, which was a mile and a half south of Chang-tsia-wan.\n\nOn arrival at that spot, however, they found it occupied by a large Chinese army, whilst batteries had been hastily thrown up and armed, so as to flank the proposed site of our camp. From the commanding officer Mr. Parkes could obtain no satisfaction, so he started back to Tang-chow with an orderly of the King's Dragoon Guards to see the High Commissioner and ask the reason of this move. Mr. Loch came on to tell me of this, and Colonel Walker and Deputy Assistant Commissary-General Thompson remained on the ground with four of the King's Dragoon Guards and one sowar, where they were to await Mr. Parkes's return.\n\nIt was only now that I learnt that Mr. De Norman, Attaché to Her Majesty's Legation, and Mr. Bowlby, correspondent of the Times newspaper, had gone to Tang-chow with Mr. Parkes and remained there with Lieutenant Anderson.\n\nMr. Loch volunteered to return with any orders, and Captain Brabazon, Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General, R.A., volunteered to accompany him.\n\nThey accordingly started, under a flag of truce, for Tang-chow, with my orders for Mr. Parkes and the whole party to return at once to head quarters.\n\nMeanwhile the Chinese Cavalry advanced in great numbers, on both flanks, and their Infantry poured down on our right front, which was enclosed ground and carefully entrenched. I was extremely anxious not to engage, for fear of compromising our officers, who were in their lines. I therefore covered both my flanks with Cavalry and ordered the baggage to be hastened on, and massed on a village in our rear, where it could be defended by a small force. This latter operation occupied nearly two hours, during which time the enemy's Cavalry had almost entirely surrounded our forces. Sufficient time had elapsed for all of our party to return from Tang-chow, and I became anxious for their safety, when suddenly a commotion appeared in the enemy's line. The guns and matchlock men in their centre opened fire, and Colonel Walker's party dashed out of the midst of their ranks. Colonel Walker reported that, whilst waiting for Mr. Parkes, a French officer joined him, who was suddenly set upon and cut down by a Chinese soldier, and, on his riding up to prevent his being murdered, his own sword was snatched from his scabbard, and some men tried to throw him off his horse. Seeing that it was a deliberate attempt to assassinate the whole of them Colonel Walker set spurs to his horse and galloped out with his party, under the fire of the Chinese line. One of his men was wounded and one horse, Mr. Thompson receiving a spear-thrust in his back; but they fortunately managed to reach our lines, their wounds not being severe. It was now useless to wait longer, and the attack was immediately formed. General de Montauban advanced to turn their left, and with him I sent a squadron of Fane's Horse, under Lieutenant Cattley. On the centre the 9-pounder Battery opened, supported by a squadron of King's Dragoon Guards, and part of the 99th Regiment advanced up the road.\n\nThe Armstrong Battery with the 15th Punjaub Infantry took ground to the left, whilst Sir John Michel, with the 1st Sikh Cavalry, three 6-pounder guns, and the 2nd (Queen's), made a wide flank movement on the extreme left, so as to turn the right of the enemy. The action commenced simultaneously on all points, and it was now apparent that the Chinese had carefully prepared a very treacherous reception for our forces, An entrenchment, skilfully concealed by natural obstacles, extended on our right and left for several miles, and was armed with numerous guns.\n\nTheir cavalry hovered in large masses on our entire left flank, so that Sir J. Michel was unable to perform the flank movement that had been intended, until the 1st Sikh Cavalry had, by a brilliant charge, discomfited the Tartar Horse, and his force, advancing, had driven them back for some miles. Finding his position to be such, I caused the Armstrong battery and the 15th Punjaub Infantry to take ground still more to the left, and with them I turned the right of the enemy's entrenchment, who thereupon fled with considerable precipitancy. I then sent the Armstrong guns and the reserve cavalry to join Sir J. Michel, who, after making a circuit of six or seven miles, joined me in front of Chang-tsia-wan at a later hour. Meanwhile the French had turned the left by a very extended sweep, and were advancing steadily up, capturing many guns, whilst the 99th with the 9-pound battery joined me in the centre of the enemy's position. The 15th Punjaub Infantry pushing on with much spirit, captured several guns in the act of retiring, and eventually advanced through Chang-tsia-wan, taking several large camps on the outside. Here my force halted. The French being much exhausted by their extensive movement, had halted on the Chinese position.\n\nThe enormous extent of country covered by the enemy, who showed more than 20,000 men, did not permit me to use my force with as good effect as I might have done, as it was too small to allow of its being scattered.\n\nThe loss of the enemy is estimated at 600 killed, whilst 75 guns fell into our hands.\n\nThe French force encountered chiefly infantry, who, on being driven back, were charged most gallantly by Lieut. Cattley's squadron, of whose conduct General de Montauban has written to me in the very highest terms.\n\nThe conduct of the rest of the troops was also most excellent; and I would more particularly mention the 15th Punjaub Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Randall, who, under my personal observation, advanced with great steadiness, and kept their position to the front throughout the day,\n\nMr. Wade went yesterday to Tang-chow to try and gather tidings of Mr. Parkes's party, but the Prefect denied all knowledge concerning them, A Chinaman, however, was brought in to-day, who states that he heard that upwards of 20 foreigners went after the fight to Pekin. If this is true, we have every reason to hope for their ultimate safety.\n\nI was compelled to leave a good force at Tientsin, lest the sudden withdrawal of so many troops should allow a disturbance to arise there. This in effect took place, but being judiciously met by Sir R. Napier, everything is again quiet there, and I have directed that officer to join me with two regiments of infantry, leaving two and a-half regiments, with two batteries of artillery under Brigadier Staveley at Tientsin.\n\nI have, &c,\n\nJ. HOPE GRANT, Lieut.-Gen.,\n\nCommander of the Forces.\n\n(Signed)\n\nThe Right Honourable\n\nThe Secretary of State for War, &c.\n\nA 3\n\nPage 406\n\n2\n\n5", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 250262, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "page_number": 412, "title": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "content_text": "5\n\n410\n\nasur\n\n4\n\n# Advance on Sin-ho and Capture of Tang-ku.\n\n## DESPATCH from Sir HOPE GRANT to Mr. Secretary HERBERT.\n\n(No. 37.)\n\nSIR,\n\nHead Quarters, Tang-ku,* August 24, 1860.\n\nI HAVE the honour to report that the Allied Forces were unable to leave Peh-tang until the 12th August, on account of the very heavy rain, which had made the country almost impassable.\n\nOn that morning, however, the troops marched according to the following dispositions, viz., the 2d Division of Infantry, an Armstrong Battery, a Rocket Battery, Madras Sappers, and the Cavalry Brigade, with three 6-pounders. The whole under Major-General Sir Robert Napier struck off to the right of the road leading from Peh-tang to Sin-ho, for the purpose of turning the left of the Tartar position. This column experienced the greatest difficulty in getting through the deep heavy ground, which extended for more than two miles out of Peh-tang, and considerably delayed the departure of the main column, under Sir John Michel, which moved along the causeway leading directly from Peh-tang to Sin-ho, and which was composed as follows, viz., the 1st Infantry Brigade, a company of Royal Engineers, an Armstrong Battery, 1,000 French Infantry, and a French Battery, all under Brigadier Staveley. This was followed by the 2d Infantry Brigade, two 9-pounder Batteries, and a Rocket Battery, succeeded by the main column of the French.\n\nOn approaching the entrenched camp, the Tartar Cavalry moved rapidly down to attack Sir Robert Napier, who was at this time about two and a half miles off, on my right flank. His report of that part of the engagement I beg to enclose.\n\nSir John Michel's Division deployed at the same time in front of the enemy's works, and opened fire with Lieutenant-Colonel Barry's Armstrong Battery and Captain Desborough's 9-pounders, a French Battery being on the left together with a French and an English Rocket Battery. These guns kept up such a heavy fire that the Tartars were unable to resist long, and they abandoned their works, being closely followed into their second entrenched line at Sin-ho, which they were unable to defend, and fled to Tang-ku.\n\nI enclose Sir J. Michel's report of this affair.\n\nThe enemy's force was composed principally of cavalry, and numbered about 4,000 men. At Sin-ho I was joined by Sir R. Napier's Division and the cavalry, who had cut up a good number of the Tartar horsemen.\n\nThe loss of the Chinese was about 100 men.\n\nOn the 13th I reconnoitred the ground along the banks of the Peiho leading to Tang-ku, and found it tolerably firm, though intersected with creeks and ditches. I ordered these to be bridged during the night, and on the morning of the 14th an Allied Force moved from Sin-ho towards Tang-ku, keeping their right flank on the bank of the river. The English part of the force consisted of the 1st Infantry Division under Sir John Michel, and the Artillery, as per margin, which formed one grand battery under Brigadier-General Crofton, R.A.\n\nOn arriving within a mile of Tang-ku, a battery and some junks on the right bank were silenced by two Armstrong and two 9-pounder guns; and a party of sailors who had been brought up for the purpose crossed the river and burned the junks.\n\nThe whole of the Artillery was then advanced to within 600 yards of the entrenchment, and opened a heavy fire on the walls—two French batteries deployed on our left—the enemy replying with 10 or 12 guns and a brisk fire of gingalls and matchlocks. The Artillery gradually advanced to within 350 yards, and the enemy's guns being silenced, a breach was commenced, when a passage across the double wet ditch was discovered at the river's edge by the 60th Rifles and an entrance was effected, the Chinese retiring with great precipitancy. At the same time the French advanced with great gallantry and entered by the main gate, which had been partially broken in by the Artillery fire. The garrison of Tang-ku retreated, some into the North Forts and some across the river to Tang-ku.\n\nI am happy to say that our losses in these two engagements were very slight, owing to the enemy being completely paralyzed by the superior fire of our Artillery.\n\n45 guns were captured in Tang-ku. My thanks are due to Major-Generals Sir John Michel and Sir R. Napier, commanding divisions (the former had a horse killed under him on the 14th), also to Brigadier-General Crofton, commanding Royal Artillery, and Brigadier Pattle, commanding the Cavalry, for the able way in which they exercised their respective commands; and the whole of the officers and soldiers acquitted themselves to my satisfaction.\n\nI beg to enclose a list of casualties.\n\nThe Right Honourable\n\n(Signed)\n\nThe Secretary of State for War.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. HOPE GRANT, Lieut.-Gen., Commanding Her Majesty's Forces in China.\n\n## DESPATCH from Major-General Sir R. NAPIER to Sir J. HOPE GRANT.\n\nSIR,\n\nCamp, Tang-ku, August 24, 1860.\n\nI HAVE the honour to report, for the information of his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, the result of the operations of the force under my command, employed in the advance from Peh-tang, and the attack of the Tartar post at the Sin-ho entrenchment.\n\nThe troops left their billets at 4 A.M. of the 12th instant, and moved out in the following order: --\n\nAn advanced guard of 200 men of the 3d Buffs, with two Armstrong guns of Milward's Battery, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sargent, 3d Buffs.\n\n4 Armstrong guns, Milward's Battery.\n\n23d Company Royal Engineers.\n\n3d Buffs.\n\n8th Regiment Punjaub Infantry.\n\n44th Regiment.\n\nRotton's Rocket Battery.\n\nRoyal Marines.\n\nMadras Sappers and Miners.\n\nRight Wing 67th Regiment. Reserve Ammunition.\n\nHospital Stretchers, &c. Rear-guard.\n\nLeft Wing 67th Regiment.\n\nCAVALRY BRIGADE.\n\n2 Squadrons King's Dragoon Guards. Probyn's Horse.\n\n3 guns, Stirling's Battery. Fane's Horse.\n\nThe head of the column moved at 4 A.M., but though two days' hard work had been devoted to repairing the roads, the deep tenacious mud rendered them so difficult that it was not till half-past seven that the rear of the column cleared the gate of Peh-tang.\n\nAccording to his Excellency's instructions, the force above enumerated struck off from the causeway by a track to the right, at half a mile from Peh-tang. The Commander-in-Chief was himself a witness of the extreme difficulties which had to be overcome in extricating the troops from the inundated town of Peh-tang, and advancing them through the deep mud, in which gun-wheels frequently were imbedded axle-deep. It cost two hours' hard labour to the troops to traverse the first two miles.\n\nI advanced by brigades in line of contiguous columns at quarter-distance, my front covered by the advanced guard of 200 3d Buffs and Milward's Battery, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sargent. The cavalry was formed on my right.\n\nA considerable halt was necessary to enable the rear to struggle through the heavy ground, and close up, for I was aware that I was liable to attack from the north as well as from the enemy in front.\n\nObserving the approach of the allied columns to the direct attack of the entrenchment upon the causeway, and perceiving the enemy in great force, both in that entrenchment and in front of the village of Sin ho, I marched directly towards them, taking their position in flank, and threatening their line of retreat.\n\nOn arriving within 1,500 yards, Milward's Armstrong guns opened on the enemy. These were the first shots fired with that weapon in war, and the range and accuracy of their fire excited the admiration of the force. The Tartar horsemen were surprised by the fire, but not shaken. After some hesitation they streamed out in a long line through a passage across the marsh which separated us, and forming with great regularity and quickness, enveloped my force in a great circle of skirmishers. The northern portion formed by the Cavalry, known to be in that direction, who hitherto kept out of sight, seemed suddenly to rise in position from the plain.\n\nAs soon as the enemy's movements were clearly defined, I sent to Brigadier Pattle, commanding the Cavalry, directing him to detach a troop to protect my right rear, and to take the opportunity to charge, which the enemy so boldly offered him.\n\nI then had the satisfaction of seeing the admirable charge of my Cavalry, by which the Tartar horde, in front of them, was driven from the field in disorder. Milward's Battery\n\nPage 411\n\n...\n\nPage 412\n\n...\n\nPage 413", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 250263, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "page_number": 413, "title": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "content_text": "Dr. DIE.\n\n411\n\nd of\n\nbe\n\nhad continued to play upon the enemy as long as it was possible to do without injury to our advancing Cavalry.\n\nAbout this time Stirling's half-battery, which being unable to follow the movements of Cavalry in such heavy ground, had been left with an escort of 30 of Fane's Horse, under Lieutenant Macgregor, was charged by a body of Tartar Cavalry of very superior numbers. Lieutenant Macgregor gallantly led his small party against the enemy and defeated them, many Tartars being killed, and Lieutenant Macgregor and many of his men being severely wounded.\n\nWhilst this was going on, my attention had been diverted from my right front to a large party of Tartars, who were steadily approaching the Buffs, on the left front, apparently regardless of the fire of two of Milward's guns under Lieutenant Harvey, of the Rifles, of the advanced guard, and of Rolton's rockets. They advanced to within 450 yards, and bore unflinchingly for a considerable time such a fire as would have tried any troops in the world. The 4th Brigade, under Brigadier Reeves, being similarly attacked at the same time, replied with a steady fire, which did considerable execution.\n\nAt length the courageous endurance of the enemy began to give way, and they fled from the field with precipitation.\n\nI then advanced my force towards the western end of the village of Sin-ho, and joined the Allied columns.\n\nAt no time throughout the day had we opportunity of coming into contact with the enemy's Infantry.\n\nTrusting that the objects intended by his Excellency have been carried out by the force under my command, I beg to bring to his notice the excellent conduct and discipline of the troops of all arms, during a very trying day.\n\nI am much indebted to the Brigadiers commanding the several brigades of Cavalry and of Infantry, and to the Officer commanding the Field Artillery, all of whom performed the duties intrusted to them to my entire satisfaction.\n\nI received the most valuable assistance from my divisional and personal staff, whose labours were unremitting.\n\nI beg to subjoin a list of officers whom I desire to earnestly recommend to his Excellency's favourable consideration.\n\nTo Captain Biddulph,\n\nSIR,\n\nMilitary Secretary.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) R. NAPIER, Major-General,\n\nCommanding 2d Division China Force.\n\nDESPATCH from Major-General MICHEL to Sir J. HOPE GRANT.\n\nHead Quarters, 1st Division, Camp, near Sun-ho, August 24, 1860.\n\nI HAVE the honour to report that, in obedience to the orders of his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, the 1st Division, under my command, marched from Pehtang about half-past 10 A.M. on the 12th instant.\n\nOn reaching the enemy's second picket-house, which is about 900 yards from their entrenched position, skirmishers of the 1st Royals were sent to the left, and some of the 31st to the right, and shortly afterwards Colonel Barry's Battery of Armstrong's guns, and Captain Martin's Battery of 9-pounders (the whole under the command of Captain Desborough), opened fire on the enemy's entrenchment at a distance of about 800 yards; after a cannonade of twenty-five minutes, the enemy's Cavalry were seen moving to their left from the entrenchments.\n\nThe guns then advanced to within 500 yards, and played on the enemy's position, as also on the Cavalry who were moving to their right; the fire of two Armstrong guns quickly dispersed their Cavalry, and in a few minutes the advance was sounded, and the enemy's position found to be abandoned.\n\nThe enemy now retired to the entrenched village of Sin-ho, but Sir Robert Napier's Division having turned their left, the Cavalry of the enemy, in large numbers, escaped behind this village towards the Peiho Forts.\n\nThe Armstrong guns, at a range of from 2,000 to 2,500 yards, made good practice on the fugitives.\n\nThis engagement having been entirely that of Artillery, only one man of the Division was wounded,\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed)\n\nJ. MICHEL, Maj.-Gen.,\n\nCommanding 1st Division.\n\n7\n\nCapture of the Ta-ku Forts.\n\nDESPATCH from Sir J. HOPE GRANT to Mr. Secretary HERBERT,\n\n(No. 38.)\n\nSIR,\n\nHead Quarters, Tang-ku,\n\nAugust 24, 1860. I HAVE the honour to report that after the capture of Tang-ku on the 14th instant, I commenced bringing up siege-guns and ammunition from Pehtang with a view to the reduction of the Uppermost Fort on the left bank of the Peiho, distant about two miles from Tang-ku.\n\nThe ground upon which it was necessary to advance was mostly of a very difficult nature, and intersected with broad and deep canals used in the manufacture of salt.\n\nI placed Major-General Sir R. Napier in charge of the advance, his Division being quartered in Tang-ku. Under his superintendence, bridges were thrown over these ditches and canals by Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, commanding Royal Engineers; and heavy guns, as per margin,* with a good supply of ammunition having been brought into Tang-ku, the 67th Regiment and an Armstrong Battery were pushed forward on the evening of the 19th, to within 2,000 yards, to cover the working parties making roads, bridges, &c. On the 20th the road was made practicable to within 800 yards of the Fort, batteries were traced, and the heavy guns were brought out ready to place in position by daybreak of the following day. The Chinese opened fire during the day, and were replied to by Captain Milward's Armstrong guns, at 2,000 yards range, with good effect, and the firing gradually ceased.\n\nDuring the night batteries were constructed for the heavy guns and mortars, and for one field battery, also for two 8-inch guns, which were brought up by great exertions from Pehtang during the night; and the whole were placed in position by daybreak of the 21st August.\n\nIt had been arranged with the Admirals that the gunboats should cross the bar that morning, and should engage the outer North Fort, and the flank of the outer South Fort, at the same time that the attack on the inner North Fort was commenced by the land forces.\n\nAt 5 A.M., however, the Chinese opened fire upon the troops from all their forts within range, and we were thus forced to reply an hour earlier than had been intended.\n\nThe Artillery was disposed as follows:-A French 24-pounder battery of 6 pieces, one English 8-inch gun, and two Armstrongs, played on the inner South Fort to keep down the fire they might otherwise have poured on our right flank. Two Armstrong guns and two 9-pounders fired from Tang-ku across the river at an entrenchment which flanked the French right; three 8-inch mortars were in the centre at 600 yards range, and to their left rear an Armstrong battery, two 32-pounder guns, and two 8-inch howitzers, all of which played on the Fort we were attacking. In addition to this, two 9-pounder guns, four 24-pounder howitzers, the remaining two Armstrong guns, and a rocket battery, were placed in the open ground about 800 yards in front of the Fort.\n\nThe storming party of Infantry consisted of a wing of the 44th, under Lieut.-Colonel MacMahon, and a wing of the 67th, under Lieut.-Colonel Thomas, supported by the other wings of those two regiments, and the Royal Marines under Lieut.-Colonel Gascoigne. A detachment of Royal Marines under Lieut.-Colonel Travers carried a pontoon bridge for crossing the wet ditches, and Major Graham, R.E., conducted the assault. The whole were commanded by Brigadier Reeves.\n\nThe fire of the Artillery was most effective, the guns of the Fort (of which many were of very large calibre), were speedily silenced, and at about 7 A.M. the magazine blew up with a terrific explosion. A few minutes later the magazine in the outer North Fort was also exploded by a shell from the gunboats.\n\nThe field guns were all advanced to within 500 yards of the fort, and redoubled their efforts.\n\nThe fire of the Forts having almost entirely ceased, a breach was commenced near the gate, and a portion of the storming party was advanced to within 30 yards to open a musketry fire, the French Infantry being on the right, the English on the left.\n\nThe fire of our Artillery being thus partially compelled to slacken, the enemy emerged from their cover, and opened a heavy fire of musketry on our troops.\n\nThe French, under General Collineau, immediately pushed on to the salient next the river, crossed the wet ditches in the most gallant manner, and established themselves on the berm, from whence they endeavoured to escalade the walls; this, however, they were unable to effect, from the vigorous resistance of the Chinese.\n\n* Two 32-pounder guns, two 8-inch howitzers, three 8-inch mortars, three 5-inch mortars.\n\nB 2", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 250264, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "page_number": 414, "title": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "content_text": "The efforts of the Sappers to lay down the pontoon bridge were unavailing; no less than fifteen of the men carrying it being knocked over in one instant, and one of the pontoons destroyed.\n\nAt this juncture, Sir R. Napier caused the two howitzers of Captain Govan's battery to be brought up to within 50 yards of the gate, in order more speedily to create a breach, and a space sufficient to admit one man had just been made when our storming party (now joined by the head-quarters' wing of 67th, under Colonel Knox) who had partly crossed by the French bridge and partly swum over, forced their way in by single file in the most gallant manner, Lieut. Rogers, 44th Regiment, and Lieut. Burslem, 67th Regiment, being the first to enter, when they assisted in planting the regimental colours of the 67th, carried by Ensign Chaplin, who first planted them on the breech (assisted by Private Lane, 67th Regiment), and subsequently on the cavalier, which he was the first to mount. At the same moment the French effected their entrance, and the garrison was driven back step by step, and hurled pell-mell through the embrasures on the opposite side.\n\nHere the same obstacles which had impeded our advance, obstructed their retreat; in addition to two wet ditches and two belts of pointed bamboo stakes, there was swampy ground, and a third ditch and bank.\n\nThe storming parties opened a destructive fire on them from the cavalier, and this was enhanced by the cannister fire of Captain Govan's guns which had been moved to the left of the fort for this purpose.\n\nThe ground outside the fort was literally strewn with the enemy's dead and wounded: three of the Chinese were impaled on the stakes. A few fugitives reached the outer North Fort, which opened fire to cover their retreat, and was answered by the Armstrong guns with good effect.\n\nAbout an hour after this the whole of the forts on both sides of the river hauled down their war banners, and hoisted flags of truce. General Montauban and I sent each an Officer to ask their meaning, and summon them to surrender, but they only received an evasive and insolent reply, and were defied to come on to the attack.\n\nAccordingly two fresh regiments, the 3d Buffs and the 8th Punjaub Infantry, having been brought up, I advanced to attack the outer North Fort. Two 8-inch guns were placed in position against it; the other siege guns could not be brought up.* The field batteries were placed at 800 yards' range on an arc encircling the left and front, the French guns on our right. Not a shot was fired by the enemy, and the Allied Infantry pushed on, crossed the ditches, and scaled the walls, without meeting any opposition; the garrison of 2,000 men being made prisoners.\n\nThis Fort was stronger than the first. They are all constructed on the same plan, being Redoubts with a thick rampart heavily armed with guns and wall pieces, and having a high cavalier facing seawards, the guns of which were all turned in towards us; they have two unfordable wet ditches, between which and the parapet sharp bamboo stakes were thickly planted, forming two belts, each about 15 feet wide, round the fort, an abattis encircling the whole, and further covered by pieces of water, which force an advance to be made only on a narrow front.\n\nTowards evening the garrisons of the South Forts were observed to be evacuating them, and detachments of English and French were passed over in ships' boats, and occupied them. There is not now the trace of an enemy near us, and the whole of the forts and entrenched camps are in our hands, containing about 400 guns, many of which are of very large calibre.\n\nIt is difficult to account for the confusion and uncertainty which seemed to pervade the enemy when the first fort fell; but it now appears that the general in command was killed, and the second in command was either killed or missing; and the confusion caused by this, together with the severe lesson received in the first fort, rendered them incapable or unwilling of further resistance.\n\nI cannot conclude this Despatch without expressing my sense of the very valuable services of Major-General Sir Robert Napier, who conducted the attack, and whose assistance has been most useful.\n\nThe service of the Artillery under Brigadier-General Crofton was most excellent; its effects I have already described.\n\nThe engineering operations were conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel Mann; and, lastly, I must bring to notice the gallant conduct of the storming party, which was commanded by Brigadier Reeves, who, himself severely wounded in three places, did not quit the field until he had conducted his men into the Fort.\n\nThe wounded were removed as soon as possible into Tang-ku, where every arrangement for their temporary reception was made by Dr. Muir, the Principal Medical Officer.\n\n*The guns of the cavalier of the captured fort were manned and turned on it.\n\nMany others, both officers and soldiers, behaved in a manner deserving of being mentioned; but want of time does not permit me to treat of it in this despatch, and on a future occasion I shall do myself the honour of bringing their names to your notice.\n\nI would also wish to inform Her Majesty's Government how cordially and sincerely our French Allies have co-operated with us, as well as the admiration I feel for their gallant conduct in the field.\n\nGeneral de Montauban has always shown every disposition to act thoroughly in concert with me, and to co-operate in every manner in his power.\n\nThe services of the gunboats will doubtless be brought to notice by the Naval Commander-in-Chief, and I beg here to record what a valuable and efficient colleague I have found in Admiral Hope, whose unwearying exertions throughout the whole campaign, and in discharging the numerous duties of transporting this large force to the seat of war have contributed greatly to the success of operations.\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) J. HOPE GRANT, Lieut.-Gen.\n\nCommanding Her Majesty's Forces in China.\n\nThe Right Honourable\n\nThe Secretary of State for War,\n\nSIR,\n\n&c\n\n&c.\n\n&c.\n\nDESPATCH from Major-General Sir R. NAPIER to Sir J. Hope Grant.\n\nHead Quarters, Tang-ku, August 24, 1860.\n\nTHE 2d Division of the China Force occupied the fortified camp and village of Tang-ku on the 14th instant, and the four succeeding days were devoted to the severe labour of bridging the numerous canals which intersect and surround the work, of making raised causeways through the broad spaces of the interior which are inundated at every tide, and of making roads to the front for heavy Artillery, in preparation for advancing on the Northern Forts of Taku.\n\nHaving received the sanction of the Commander-in-Chief to commence operations against the Fort which lay nearest to my position, I advanced on the evening of the 19th a strong picket, composed as per margin, to the border of a series of canals which surround the enemy's position. The Engineers, under the direction of Lieut.-Colonel Mann, immediately commenced passages across the broad canals to my front and left. My right was comparatively open and bounded by the Peilo. Tartar village and cantonment gave some cover on the left bank. The right bank was studded with strong batteries, which, together with the nearest of the Southern Forts, were capable of giving a severe flanking fire against our line of advance. An attempt to avoid this, by making a way through a series of salt works, consisting of deep canals and broad reservoirs, which protected the enemy's right, was unsuccessful.\n\nThe labour of the night of the 19th, during which nearly my whole picket was on the working parties, advanced us to a distance of 800 yards from the Fort.\n\nOn the morning of the 20th, the Commander-in-Chief visited the positions, and the sites of the batteries were determined on.\n\nUp to this time the enemy had apparently taken no notice of our proceedings, but about 11 A.M. they opened from both of the Northern Forts, from the South Forts, and from the battery on the right bank, thus developing their whole fire. This was of material advantage in guiding my subsequent proceedings.\n\nThe fire from the Fort under attack was immediately replied to most effectively by a few rounds of Milward's Armstrong guns, at a range of 2,000 yards, and after a time the firing gradually died away, without loss on our side.\n\nDuring the night of the 20th the batteries were completed by the Engineer Department, and the remaining canals in front were bridged, so as to give access to the ground, and convert them into valuable cover.\n\nDuring this day the force was strengthened as per margin.\n\nThe Artillery for the batteries was passed to the front during the night, and placed in position before daylight, with the exception of one 8-inch gun, which got so deeply embedded in the mud that it could not be extricated until morning,\n\nAn aide-de-camp from General Collinôt informed me at dusk, on the evening of the 20th, that the French force destined to share in the attack had arrived.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 250265, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "page_number": 415, "title": "CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860", "content_text": "413\n\n10\n\nat Tang-ku. I immediately took him to the position which I intended the French force to occupy, and also along the whole front, that he might be thoroughly acquainted with the general arrangements. At midnight I despatched my aide-de-camp, Major Greathed, to conduct the French column by a separate route, which he had previously reconnoitred, so that their line of advance was perfectly clear and unobstructed.\n\nThe disposition of the force was arranged as follows:-\n\nFour 24-pounder howitzers (two of Govan's and two of Desborough's), were placed in Battery No. 4 on the left, to play on the defences of the Fort under attack.\n\nTwo 32-pounders and two 8-inch howitzers in Battery No. 3 to open on the same defences and eventually to breach near the gateway.\n\nMilward's Armstrong Battery in Battery No. 5 to silence the enemy's guns by direct fire, and to keep down the fire of the furthermost Northern Fort, which supported the Fort under attack.\n\nA Battery (No. 2) of three 8-inch mortars was advanced between the canals, to shell the Fort from a distance of 500 yards.\n\nOn my right front a Battery was prepared for six guns to silence the fire from the right bank of the river and the Southern Fort; this battery was armed with one 8-inch gun, two of Barry's Armstrong guns, and two French 24-pounder rifled guns. The remaining four French guns were placed on the right, partly sheltered by the Tartar village, but free to turn their fire upon the numerous scattered batteries which lined the right bank of the river. Two of Barry's guns and two of Govan's guns were placed in position at Col. Sargent's picket on the south-east angle of Tang-ku, to cover the French right.\n\nAt 4 A.M. my column of Infantry moved into position, the right wing of the 67th and 44th Regiments, under cover of the canals, in advance, near the Mortar Battery. The remaining wing of the 44th and 67th Regiments, and one half of the Royal Marines, formed the support, which was posted under cover of the canals, near Milward's Battery. The other half of the Royal Marines carrying pontoons. The Royal Engineers and Sappers with material were placed under cover in front of the supports, ready to move forward and keep pace with the progress of the attack.\n\nThe enemy opened before these movements were completed, and as their fire was heavy I replied with Milward's guns, although the whole of my Batteries were not quite ready to open, and the French column, though punctual to the appointed time of 6 A.M., had not yet appeared. By 6 the whole of the British Batteries were in play; General Collinot arrived, and took up the position on the right which had been placed at his disposal, and the French Artillery likewise came into action against the Southern Forts and Batteries.\n\nOwing to the great extent of the enemy's position, they were able to open some guns against the right flank of the French column; but their fire was at once diverted, and eventually silenced, by the two guns of Barry's Battery, which were in position at Colonel Sargent's picket at the east gate of Tang-ku.\n\nThe enemy replied to the fire of our Artillery from all their guns that could be brought to bear; but the fire of the Fort attacked had already sensibly diminished, when a shell from the Mortar Battery, or Milward's guns, alighting in the magazine, caused a grand explosion, soon followed by a similar one in the remotest Northern Fort, with which the gunboats had been for some time engaged.\n\nThe guns of the Fort immediately attacked being nearly silenced, I directed, with the consent of his Excellency, an advance of all the Field Artillery to new positions within 450 yards, and the fire of our batteries was concentrated on the left of the gateway, with a view to breaching.\n\nThe skirmishers of the Allied Forces pushed vigorously forward, and obtained a position on the edge of the outermost of the two wet ditches which surround the Fort.\n\nThe French on the right succeeded in crossing the ditches by ladder bridges, and effected a lodgment on the berm of the unflanked angle of the work abutting on the river. The English pontoon bridge, carried by a party of Royal Marines, advancing on the line of the causeway opposite the centre of the Fort, was met by so heavy a fire that half the carriers were immediately disabled, and the construction of the bridge rendered impracticable.\n\nLieut.-Colonel Travers, R.M.L.I., Major Graham, R.E., were also wounded in attempting to carry out this duty. I thereupon directed the ladders to be brought forward and passed across the ditches towards the right. This was carried out by Lieut. Pritchard, R.E., and parties of our Infantry effecting the passage of the ditches, some by means of the ladders, others by swimming, made their way to the gate.\n\n11\n\nThe enemy made a noble and vigorous resistance, no entry had yet been made, the breach had not been completed, the gate was known to be built up, the attempts of the French to escalade at their angle were unsuccessful. At this juncture, with the permission of the Commander-in-Chief, I brought up two 24-pounder howitzers and two 9-pounder guns of Govan's to within 80 yards of the rampart, which firing over the heads of the men on the berm, cut away the parapet at the point where the defence was most obstinate.\n\nAfter a lengthened struggle the French entered the embrasure at their angle by escalade, and the British climbed into the partial breach near the gate at the same moment, Lieutenant Rogers, of the 44th Regiment, being the first man on our side established in the place. The troops of both nations now poured into the place, but foot by foot the brave garrison disputed the ground, and as there was no means of exit other than by dropping over the wall and crossing the defensive obstacles of ditches, stakes, and abbatis, the loss of the enemy when they were ultimately driven out of the work was very severe, both from the rifles of our Infantry, who crowded the cavalier, and from guns moved round to the left, which swept their line of retreat on the further Northern Fort.\n\nIt was half-past eight o'clock when this Fort, now proved to be the key of the whole position, was in our hands.\n\nThe guns of the cavalier were turned against the opposite Southern Fort, on which fire was still maintained from the heavy batteries on our right attack.\n\nWith the view of following up the advantages gained as soon as possible, fresh regiments, viz., the 3d Buffs and 8th Punjab Infantry, under the command of Brigadier Jephson, were brought to the front by his Excellency's orders, and the Artillery was put in position to enfilade the Fort still untaken on the north side. Suddenly firing on the part of the enemy ceased in all quarters, and white flags were displayed in all the Forts still in their hands.\n\nI need not refer to the further proceedings conducted by the Commander-in-Chief in person, which ended in the surrender of the remaining Northern Fort and the abandonment of those on the south side.\n\nCaptain Biddulph, Military Secretary,\n\n&c.\n\n&c.\n\n&c.\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) R. NAPIER, Major-General,\n\nCommanding 2d Division China Force.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-079 - Public Offices - 1860.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 250792, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-080 - Sir Robinson - 1861 [1-3]", "page_number": 353, "title": "CO129-080 - Sir Robinson - 1861 [1-3]", "content_text": "strangely mistaken if troops were then quartered \n\nor long previously I walked \n\nthere, as a \n\nday over the ground in Company with The Earl of Elgin.\n\n \nThe ground certainly has been \n\nsince abandoned by the Military, and as it lies beyond both the present Civil and Military Encampments, it is difficult to understand in what way it can be said to be within the Military Lines.\n\n \nI have been careful hitherto to avoid all interference with Military arrangements, but may now say that on \n\nthe Kowloon territory being handed over to me I Conceive it to have been the duty of the Military Authorities to have applied for permission to hold all and any ground \n\n(\n\n317\n\nthen, or thereafter to be held by them.\n\n \nTo advert however particularly to \n\nthe case under discussion I must again point out that the Commanding Royal Engineer has no more right to occupy Napier's Range and erect buildings \n\nthereon than at any place within this Colony.\n\n \nThe propriety of asking for leave was, I understand, suggested to the Commanding Royal Engineer aside by him, and I know that an \n\nunofficial letter from M. Cleverly to Colonel Mann, Advising stoppage of works until Your Excellency's return \n\nfrom Canton, was disregarded.\n\n \nYour Excellency desires to be", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-080 - Sir Robinson - 1861 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 250820, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-080 - Sir Robinson - 1861 [1-3]", "page_number": 381, "title": "CO129-080 - Sir Robinson - 1861 [1-3]", "content_text": "on the site the Commanding Royal Engineer proposes for Barracks.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\n(Signed) Chas: St. George: Colonel,\n\nSurveyor General.\n\n(True Copy)\n\nThe Assistant (noting)\n\nfor the Colonial Secretary.\n\n(Copy)\n\nSir,\n\nHongkong, 20th March, 1861.\n\n375\n\nOn the receipt of Your Excellency's letter No. 163 of the 18th March, I proceeded with Captain Mann and carefully examined all the localities proposed by the Surveyor General of the Colony as available for the erection of temporary Barracks for the Military. I enclose Captain Mann's report.\n\nHaving considered the matter in all its bearings, I have determined to accept Your Excellency's permission to occupy Napier's range.\n\nI do so under the understanding that,\n\nHis Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson,\n\nGovernor and Commander in Chief.\n\nHoughton", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-080 - Sir Robinson - 1861 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 256165, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-091 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [1-3]", "page_number": 493, "title": "CO129-091 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [1-3]", "content_text": "477\n\nColonel Mann, and his works of cutting and filling are quite as extensive as any required for the site now condemned. Colonel Moody may illustrate this.\n\nI still maintain that the two Ranges Barracks as designed by Colonel Mann are defective. He objects to works on even on his own theory. The Sea Coast Range can hardly rise above the foundations of his Barracks, and yet it places the Range effectually to block out the other.\n\nDr. Home's suggestion of keeping the Range open to ventilate the windows of the other needs no comment. I still adhere to my original proposal to place the face of the Barracks South to avail of the South East wind, which is the prevailing wind here as proved by statistics and known to all old residents. The dire Westerly aspect of Colonel Mann's Range will deprive the Barracks altogether of that and the South wind also. If the North East wind is objectionable, a mere inspection of the map is alone sufficient to prove the advantages of Napier's Range site, which is sheltered entirely by the hills in the rear, 1892 feet high, distant cheerful views of about five hundred yards.\n\nAs to the front Range, no doubt Colonel Mann's has the advantage over Napier's in some degree, but the rear Range is literally nothing but the back windows of the front Range and the Parade ground. Whereas on the other site, every building may have an admirable sea and land view besides.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-091 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 256166, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-091 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [1-3]", "page_number": 494, "title": "CO129-091 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [1-3]", "content_text": "478 \n\nerection of civilian Gentleman's Villas from three to five hundred Compounds off in any manner with Colonel Mann's two parallel lines distant 100 yards, one fifteen feet above the other.\n\nThe proximity of the former to the sea will not avail for sea bathing, and the soldiers must actually go to Napier's Range, a distance of 1,000 yards, for that purpose. At each end of the Napier's Range Cantonment, they have a sea frontage of 500 yards, shallow water on one side and deep on the other; the soldiers have no necessity for going backwards and forwards.\n\nI know of no single objection to it under proper management, and this I say after an experience of twenty years of this climate, and during the whole of which time I have had the arrangement of much more troublesome areas than that of Napier's Range; but to leave it in its present state and occupy it, the results will be such as those occurring at West Point in Hong Kong.\n\nThe first Barracks were erected there, and it is unquestionably the finest site in the whole of Victoria, but the troops were unhealthy, and the place was condemned by the Military Board, and the present objectionable site chosen instead. I may remark that West Point was undrained, the surface water passed over, or through a grave yard, and then under the floors of the Soldier's huts; when the Barracks were... \nThe area is level, large. The parade grounds are available, the planting and gardens are available, the rifle range is immediately adjoining, in fact.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-091 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 256167, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-091 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [1-3]", "page_number": 495, "title": "CO129-091 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [1-3]", "content_text": "479 were the being pulled down, in several places under there www floors through which I pools of saturated earth, was able to drive a walking for Stick, but common sense saw not the causes the sickness there, and Common sense is equally wanting now amongst the theorists who object to Napier's Range, and who have placed the Soldier's hurts on a site almost as objectionable as that of West Point in its undrained state.\n\nand this to prove their position, the superiority of another, it has proved nothing but one site over incapacity and want of Common Sense most certainly has it turned out a most expensive experiment.\n\nI am of opinion that the Colonel Mann's plan defects are anch as to render it most objectionable, all other interests and the natural advantages of suitable sites have been sacrificed to a desire to give a view of the sea, and that is only given to one half of the Barrack buildings, the position is wrong even, the front range of Barracks will receive hardly any South wind and none of the South East, the back Range like that in Victoria is shut out not only from the view, but the more important wind, if the aspect of the Barracks was due South they would receive all the South, South West and South East winds which blow...\n\nI therefore unhesitatingly recommend the plan sanctioned by Sir Hercules Robinson- the development of which Colonel Moody has, in the paper referred to, so ably executed.\n\nIn conclusion I may observe that many sites are available on Stoni Cutters'", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-091 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 286769, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-155 - Others - 1871", "page_number": 238, "title": "CO129-155 - Others - 1871", "content_text": "TESTIMONIALS.\n\nFrom Major-General GEORGE NAPIER, C.B., lately Commanding a Division in Canada.\n\nMY DEAR MOLLAN,\n\nCAMP, ALDERSHOT:\n\n5th August 1856.\n\nI cannot give up my command here without offering you my best thanks for the valuable assistance I have always received from you during the time you have been my Brigade-Major, and I can only say that I trust you will be kept on for the good of the service, as well as your own, and I feel quite sure your new Brigadier will be as sorry to lose you as I am.\n\nPray let me know if I can be of any use to you at the Horse Guards at any time, and I shall be very glad indeed to do all in my power to forward your views.\n\nMajor Moran,\n\nBrigade Major.\n\nBelieve me, dear Mollan,\n\nEver yours sincerely, (Signed)\n\nGEORGE NAPIER, Col.,\n\nCommanding 3rd Brigade.\n\nALDERSHOT:\n\n9th June 1857.\n\n3\n\nFrom Major-General the Honourable Sir A. A. SPENCER, K.C.B.\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE, DEVONPORT! 2nd February 1867.\n\nMY DEAR MOLLAN,\n\nFrom my long acquaintance with your military acquirements both as a Staff and Regimental Officer, I can with much pleasure safely give my opinion as to your fitness for the appointment of Chief Constable, which you tell me you are anxious to obtain.\n\nWith our united kind regards,\n\nLieut-Col. MOLLAN, C.B.\n\nYours very truly,\n\nAUGS SPENCER,\n\nM.-General.\n\nFrom Brigadier-General Sir ALFRED HORSFORD, K.C.B., Commanding the Dublin Division.\n\nDUBLIN:\n\n10th February 1867.\n\nMY DEAR MOLLAN,\n\nI sincerely hope you will succeed in your wishes; and what is more, I can surely say that should you be appointed, those who have the power of naming you will never regret their selection.\n\nHaving known you as a Staff Officer at Aldershot, and having also had you for some time on my own Staff in India, I may be permitted to say that I know no man better fitted for the situation of Chief Constable.\n\nBelieve me\n\nYours very sincerely, (Signed)\n\nA. HORSFORD.\n\nFrom Major-General the Honourable Sir A. A. SPENCER, K.C.B.\n\nMY DEAR MOLLAN,\n\nI have very great pleasure in giving my testimony of your efficiency as a Staff Officer. During the time you were my Brigade-Major I was particularly well satisfied with your attention, and capability; and as you were, I think, at Aldershot at the first formation of the Camp, I am aware that your duties then must have been more arduous and requiring much greater intelligence and activity.\n\nYours very truly,\n\nMy dear Mollan. (Signed)\n\nAUGS SPENCER,\n\nM.-General.\n\nFrom General W. T. KNOLLYS, lately Commanding the Aldershot Division.\n\nDEAR MAJOR MOLLAN,\n\nALDERSHOT!\n\n13th June 1857.\n\nIt gives me sincere pleasure to state, in the event of such a statement being of any use in forwarding advancement in your profession hereafter, that I had the greatest reason to be satisfied with the manner in which you performed your Staff duties during the time you were under my command at Aldershot.\n\nOn my first assuming it, you were the only Staff Officer attached to the Command, and as the regiments of Militia successively arrived in Camp, your duties, as a matter of course, became more laborious. They were, however, performed with the greatest zeal and cheerfulness, as well as satisfactorily in every other point of view. I considered myself much indebted to you for your exertions; and should be truly pleased if this acknowledgment of them led to anything of more substantial value.\n\nBelieve me\n\nYours very truly, (Signed)\n\nW. KNOLLYS.\n\nLieut.-Col. MOLLAN, C.B.\n\nFrom Colonel the Right Honourable W. F. TIGHE, of Woodstock, County Kilkenny, Lieutenant of the County.\n\nROSSANA, WICKLOW:\n\n3rd February 1867. DEAR COLONEL MOLLAN,\n\nUnderstanding that you are a candidate for the office of Chief Constable of Glamorganshire, which is now vacant, I sincerely hope that you may succeed in obtaining the office, as I feel sure, from your efficiency as a Magistrate in the County of Kilkenny, and from the numerous testimonials that you possess, that you will be a very proper person to hold such an office.\n\nWe came here yesterday on our way home.\n\n(True copies.)\n\n(Signed)\n\nBelieve me\n\nYours sincerely,\n\nW. F. TIGHE.\n\nW. C. MOLLAN, Lieut.-Colonel.\n\nSpottiswoode and Co., Printers, New-street Square, London.\n\nPage 236", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-155 - Others - 1871.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 329006, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-222 - Acting Governor Cameron Governor Sir Bowen - 1885 [7-10]", "page_number": 266, "title": "CO129-222 - Acting Governor Cameron Governor Sir Bowen - 1885 [7-10]", "content_text": "## \nLord Napier of Magdala, Sir William Jervois, Sir Andrew Clarke, and Sir Robert Biddulph; or from Generals who, like General Camerow, have proved themselves to be fit for the conduct of Civil affairs.\n\n...\n\n5. It would be desirable that your decision should be communicated to me by telegraph.\n\nI have the honour to be,\nSir,\nYour most obedient \nHumble servant,\nBowen\n\nGovernor.\n\nDate: 1895\n\nNo. \nCompe eu 16. previous Paper 69861 \n3. Conf. 17 Nov \nan Bent Paper, 19869 \nHongKong No. 18547 \n(Subject) Corres between the Colony & Legation at Pekin \nRE DESPAT202 18547 \nEG 22 OCT 65 \nBritish Subunits observations as to advisability of passing through Lovi hando, more especially in the case of Chamber of Commerce.\n\n(Minutes)\n| Col. | Content |\n| --- | --- |\n| | Colonel Stanley, a great generally in the news expend 5 Sir George in this Despatch: Say that it is a fit change as described Clove did not accept the offer made 5 Sir Harry Parkes Paragraph 3 of this despatch. Tell him to ask further leave to bring into force for the future, his Harry Parkes reggeshin. |\n| | Paragraph 6 causes me to think of the fact that... |", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-222 - Acting Governor Cameron Governor Sir Bowen - 1885 [7-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 336141, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-236 - Others - 1887", "page_number": 226, "title": "CO129-236 - Others - 1887", "content_text": "# \nHead-quarter House has been freely exercised, but in an unostentatious manner characteristic of the frank, bluff soldier, while Mrs. Sargent has presided over the numerous pleasant gatherings there with a charm and grace which have won the suffrages of all hearts. The friendly feeling and general sympathy they have won have called forth the expression of cordial respect and the sincere utterance of the good wishes contained in the address which will be presented to the General this afternoon.\n\nAt the moment when General Sargent is leaving the colony, a brief review of his long and honourable career, compiled from the Army List, may not be uninteresting to his numerous friends and well-wishers. Lieut.-General John Neptune Sargent, C.B., was born on the 18th June, 1826, and received his commission as ensign in the 95th Regiment on the 19th January, 1844. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on the 11th September, 1846, served with his Regiment in China, and obtained his company on the 18th November, 1853. He accompanied the 95th Regiment on the Eastern Expedition of 1854, and was recommended for the Turkish medal for the Danubian campaign by General Beatson, to whom he volunteered his services while on leave to assist in searching for boats to cross the river and attack the Russians. Captain Sargent served in the Crimean campaign in 1854-55, and took part in the Battle of Alma, where he was wounded. For his conduct in this action he was specially mentioned in the Commanding Officer's official report for \"determined bravery while leading the attack of the right wing\" of his Regiment up the heights of Alma. He was also engaged in the repulse of the powerful sortie on the 26th October. In the Battle of Inkerman he signally distinguished himself. In this famous battle he succeeded to the command of his Regiment and brought it out of action, and at a crisis when every rifle was of vital importance he used one with remarkable effect, especially when cut off from the British position by the Russian Column that occupied the ground whence the 95th Regiment had charged.\n\n## \nHe was engaged in the siege and was present at the fall of Sebastopol, on which occasion he was wounded. He was most strongly recommended for promotion for his services at Inkerman as a \"most zealous, meritorious, and brave officer,\" and as a result received the rank of brevet-major, while he was also awarded the Medal with three clasps, 5th Class of the Medjidie, the Turkish medal, and was created a Knight of the Legion of Honour. He joined The Buffs on the 25th August, 1857, and was gazetted lieut.-colonel on the 29th July, 1859.\n\nHe served with The Buffs in the campaign of 1860 in China, including the action of Sinho, in which he commanded the advanced guard, and the taking of Tonghoo. He was placed in permanent command of the outpost towards the Taku Forts, and was twice mentioned in despatches. Subsequently, he was appointed Commandant of the Taku Forts and Allied Commissioner. For his conduct in the China war, he was commended by Sir Robert Napier for \"good judgment, determination, and high military qualities,\" and was recommended to the Commander-in-chief by Sir Hope Grant in the following terms:-\" I would most strongly recommend this officer to the favourable consideration of His Royal Highness. He was one of the most active and useful officers in the field, who was in a position of great responsibility, and who performed his duties to my entire satisfaction.\" The reward of these services was a medal with clasps and the Companionship of the Most Distinguished Order of the Bath. He was made brevet-colonel on the 29th July, 1864, and promoted to the rank of major-general on the 11th January, 1877. General Sargent was appointed to the command of the Troops in China and the Straits Settlements in February, 1882, arrived in Hongkong on the 31st March following, and he was gazetted lieut.-general on the 18th October, 1884. This is a lengthy and brilliant record, and its subject would be a fitting recipient of the order of knighthood at the hands of Her Most Gracious Majesty, to whom he has been so loyal and zealous a servant.\n\nPage 240", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-236 - Others - 1887.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 336144, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-236 - Others - 1887", "page_number": 229, "title": "CO129-236 - Others - 1887", "content_text": "## General Sargent's Military Career\n\nOne attached), and 12 wounded, and 45 Non-Commissioned officers and men killed, and 128 wounded, and the Battle of Inkerman left Sargent one of the only six officers remaining with the remnant of the Regiment.\n\nThe British loss in killed and wounded at the Battle of Inkerman was 2,357, out of our 7,464 who fought in that field.\n\nGeneral Sargent has, throughout his military career, been conspicuously persevering in his efforts to get to the front when active service offered and duty called. As junior Captain in the 95th, when the Regiment was leaving England for the Eastern Expedition, he was detailed to remain behind with the depot, but this little accorded with the restless spirit of the ambitious soldier, who persevered in his longing desire to accompany his Regiment until he attained his wishes. At Scutari too, when, as junior Captain, he was ordered to remain behind with a Company, his determined efforts to push on for more active work in the Crimea again proved successful. Once more, at Malta, where he was stationed as junior Major of the 2nd Battalion of the Buffs, elated at the prospect of being employed on active service, he purchased his Lieut.-Colonelcy in the 1st Battalion of the Regiment, then in India, at a considerable pecuniary sacrifice, in excess of the regulation, to be in time to join the Expeditionary Force then preparing to proceed to China to retrieve our shaken prestige occasioned by the unfortunate repulse experienced at the Taku Forts.\n\nHe was proud of the high opinion entertained of him by such distinguished soldiers as Sir Hope Grant, Napier of Magdalla, Lord Airey, and others. Lord Napier made honourable mention of him in the following terms :--\n\n\"Colonel Sargent came under my observation in the performance of camp duties, in the command of an important outpost in the attack of Taku. The judgment and ability with which he performed these duties gave me a very high opinion of him as an officer, and I should select him for any important duty or command with the fullest confidence that he would execute it with good judgment and determination. It will give me great pleasure to hear of his having further opportunity of exercising his high military qualities.\"\n\nThe highly complimentary terms with which the same distinguished officer brought General Sargent prominently to the notice of His Royal Highness the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, through Lord Airey, then Adjutant-General to the Forces, evinced unmistakably the high opinion entertained of him as an able officer, by those with whom he had served before the enemy, and who had thus formed the strongest regard and friendship for him. A still more gratifying proof of the late Lord Airey's regard for General Sargent is shown by a handsome memorial legacy he bequeathed to him, the inscription on which bears testimony to the esteem he entertained for him as a sincere friend and brother soldier.\n\nG. D. S. Kirshaw, Printer, Worthing.\n\n## Unrelated Text Fragment\n\nH.M.H. ... \n... having sufficient authority, \n... line to recover \n... to publish it, he might \n... that it would be my \n... abslani \nPrivate \n... bus 7.87 \nGeneral Sargent has \n... sent to Su Af Holland \nWydane Thampra \nCopy of his letter of \n... how he could \n... from doing 10 \nShards \nZemani i \n... the army after- \n... establishing such a \n... a letter \n... Copy happy my guy \n... on the subject of \n... that he may \n... permission \n... his request \n... y m \n... print his comesprimer", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-236 - Others - 1887.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 348191, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-253 - Public Offices & Others - 1891", "page_number": 633, "title": "CO129-253 - Public Offices & Others - 1891", "content_text": "**despatches, the brevet of Major, medal with three clasps, 5th class of the Medjidie and Turkish Medal, and Knight of the Legion of Honour). Also in the campaign in China in 1860 with the 3rd Foot, including the action of Sinho, in which he commanded the advanced guard, and the taking of Tonghoo; in command of the advanced outposts towards the Taku Forts, and as Allied Commissioner (most favourably mentioned in despatches, medal with clasp and Companion of the Bath).** \n\nIt was at a crisis when every rifle was of the greatest importance that I used one \"with remarkable effect,\" especially when cut off from our position by the Russian column that occupied the ground whence the 95th Regiment had charged the enemy down the hill. For the campaign of 1860 in China, I was commended by Lord Napier of Magdala, the general of my division, for \"good judgment, determination, and high military qualities,\" and recommended to the Commander-in-Chief by Sir Hope Grant, who commanded the expedition, in the following words:--\"I would most strongly recommend this officer to the favourable consideration of His Royal Highness. He was one of the most active and useful officers in the field, who was in a position of great responsibility, and who performed his duties to my entire satisfaction.\" \n\nWhen His Royal Highness selected me for this practical stamp of Royal as well as Parliamentary honour and approval, I was at the time only a Colonel, and I think it will be found---I have not the necessary \"Army List\" here to refer to---that no one junior to me, in age, or in length of service, was on that roll of honour. So far from asking for it, I never gave His Royal Highness or anyone else the glimmer of a hint that I expected it or even thought of it. The extra £100 a year which it gave was, from a pecuniary point of view, immaterial; but my soldier's heart rejoiced at being picked out by the Commander-in-Chief, at such a time and under such circumstances, for what was so coveted a distinction. \n\nNo one can possibly have a higher sense of military duty than I have. My views on the point are well known. I have always held that, war being a condition of our present existence, unquestioning obedience in military matters is a vital necessity, and that the service demands the most complete sacrifice of individual feelings in all good soldiers of whatever rank, as I have shown from Ensign to Lieutenant-General Commanding. I was unemployed and doing no duty whatever as a soldier when I was compelled to protect myself against the Commander-in-Chief's shameful treatment of one whom he had stamped with his approval as one of the best officers in the service---a treatment that was thoroughly in keeping with what I had written to him in my letter of the 28th February, 1888, and repeated to the Marquis of Salisbury in my letter of the 28th of last February. \n\nAlthough I have strenuously withstood the attempts of His Royal Highness to cast a slur upon my character as a good soldier, and notwithstanding the irreparable injury that I have sustained by being compulsorily retired, in the way I was, from a profession which had my whole heart, and by the lining out of my name from the list of K.C.B.s on the occasion of Her Most Gracious Majesty's Jubilee, I have left no effort untried, I have spared no pains to obtain a peaceful settlement. I have no false pride, and for the sake of peace I repeatedly expressed my willingness to withdraw the letters that gave His Royal Highness so much concern; but when the suggestion to do so was coupled with the promise of a K.C.B.ship, by way of a bribe, I was too angry at the time to do anything but protest against such a suggestion, so that it might not be supposed at the Horse Guards that I was willing to accept the chivalric...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-253 - Public Offices & Others - 1891.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 348192, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-253 - Public Offices & Others - 1891", "page_number": 634, "title": "CO129-253 - Public Offices & Others - 1891", "content_text": "## \nAs I yield to none in the store I set upon the character of an English gentleman, I was grieved and astonished to find that the Prime Minister has followed in the steps of His Royal Highness and neglected even to acknowledge the receipt of my letter to him of the 24th ultimo inclosing the printed letters to His Royal Highness and Lord Knutsford of the 18th ultimo. I am the more surprised at this discourtesy as Lord Salisbury has hitherto acknowledged the letters I have addressed to him, and went so far as to forward to the Commander-in-Chief at my request a copy of my letter of the 29th November 1890. I can only suppose that Lord Salisbury has taken his cue from the Royal Duke, as he would learn from the copy of my printed letter of the 18th ultimo to His Royal Highness that the Commander-in-Chief had sent no acknowledgment of my recent letters to him. Thus many have been turned against me by the attitude of the Royal Duke, and amongst others my old and revered chief Lord Napier, as shown at page 22 of my application for a Court-Martial. Of course it may be that the Marquis of Salisbury thinks me a most unreasonable man, and that I ought to be content with the condescension of His Royal Highness in his letter informing me of my appointment to be Colonel of a regiment. Here is the letter, dated \"Horse Guards, War Office, 5th March 1891,\" although the Duke was in Egypt at the time: \"I have the satisfaction to acquaint you that Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to approve of your appointment to the Coloneley of the 1st Battalion the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.\" \n\nBut they forget that I was actually entitled to the 1,000l. a year which accompanied the coloneley of a regiment as from the 17th of last January on the Military Secretary's own showing, and that I could not be kept out of it unless the Commander-in-Chief again broke faith with me, as he did in the matter of the K.C.B.ship. For I have throughout adhered to the old rate of pay (25s. a day) thus depriving the Government of even the shadow of a pretext for any breach of faith. Another thing which would have made their continued ignoring of my claims still more glaringly indefensible is that on the 8th April, 1890, a regiment was given to Lieutenant-General Guise, who, according to the Army List, had not been employed since he was Colonel, while I who had served as Lieutenant-General Commanding had been ignored when a vacancy had occurred in my old regiment, the 95th. Under these circumstances, and having at p. 131 of Brochure 13, informed His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief that I would not voluntarily address to him any more communications, it was to the Secretary of State for War that I addressed my inquiries about a regiment and about the 1,000l. a year to which I would be entitled. My letter of inquiry was handed to the Military Secretary to answer, which he did by return of post in a letter of the same date as that of His Royal Highness announcing my appointment. I conclude that this expedition in answering my inquiries was due to the forwarding by the Marquis of Salisbury of my letter to him of the 29th November, 1890, to His Royal Highness.\n\nPage 14\nPage 15\nPage 47", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-253 - Public Offices & Others - 1891.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 369182, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-287 - Public Offices & Others - 1898", "page_number": 358, "title": "CO129-287 - Public Offices & Others - 1898", "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\nNo. 1.\n\n-349 \n9545 \n[August 23,] \nSECTION 22 JEP J8]\n\n**Intelligence Division to Foreign Office.-(Received August 23.)**\n\nTHE Director of Military Intelligence presents his compliments to the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and begs to forward, with the request that it may be returned when done with, some correspondence respecting the present rebellion in Southern China.\n\n18, Queen Anne's Gate, London, \nAugust 23, 1898.\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\n**Mr. Long to Colonel McSwiney.**\n\nDear Colonel McSwiney,\n\nI inclose herewith a copy of a Report from the Officer Commanding Her Majesty's ship \"Tweed\" at Wuchow to the Commodore in charge here, which the latter very kindly gave me. I dare say that in due course it would reach you from the Admiralty Intelligence, but it saves time by my sending it on to you direct, and, also, that I think it desirable to draw particular attention to this so-called rebellion. The general impression here by all those in a good position to judge, such as Bell-Irving, the head of Jardine, Matheson, and Co., &c., is that the French are at the back of this rebellion; that they have practically created it, or stirred it up, so that later on, as events develop, they may have an opportunity for interfering. They have already come forward with an offer of assistance in the way of troops.\n\nSound opinion is unanimous that the riot which has just taken place in the French Concession at Shanghae over the Ningpo goss-house has been deliberately started by the French, as it was a foregone conclusion that any interference there was bound to lead to trouble, and that this action of the French was premeditated seems fairly proved, when one remembers that similar interference in the past had caused serious trouble.\n\nIt is strange that we should now get wires from the north reporting that there are troubles of risings on the northern Chinese frontiers, and the opinion here is that at all these places—Kwangsi, Shanghae, and the north—France and Russia are working hand in hand. The very \"man in the street\" now talks of Hankow as an object of Russian absorption in the near future, and cannot understand how blind Great Britain is to the bear's rapid and far-reaching advance.\n\nIn October last year I wrote to Napier re the massing, or rather storing, of huge quantities of supplies at Vladivostock, and pointed out that everything indicated an early move on Russia's part. His letter of reply stated that you did not think so, as the supplies were required for the employés on the railway. Before this letter reached me Russia had actually got on the move.\n\nThe Colony is much excited over the extension of its boundaries, and, needless to remark, is vigorously protesting against effete and powerless China being allowed to retain any voice or authority over the ceded territory. Might I make a suggestion as regarding the policing of the new territory, and that is, that on Imperial grounds the Colonial authorities be urged to form a police battalion on semi-military lines, as I feel certain that this would be a step in the right direction, and might form a nucleus for the eventual formation of a regular British-Chinese force, which would be available for future contingencies.\n\nThere is a fairly general opinion that some portion of the Chinese, well drilled, officered, and led, would make excellent fighting material.\n\nYours sincerely,\n(Signed) S. S. LONG.\n\n(1562 (~2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-287 - Public Offices & Others - 1898.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 476511, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-448 - Governor Sir May - 1918 [4-6]", "page_number": 326, "title": "CO129-448 - Governor Sir May - 1918 [4-6]", "content_text": "# METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE\n## SOUTH KENSINGTON, LONDON, S.W.7.\n### 8th August, 1918.\n\n**RECEIVED** \n9 AUG \n**COL OFFICE**\n\nSir,\n\nI beg to acknowledge the receipt of letter No. `34022/1918` of the 25th July, and I have discussed the method of recording Hygrometric observations set out in the enclosures, with Sir Napier Shaw, the Meteorological Adviser. The question is one requiring careful consideration if agreement between different Meteorological Services is to be reached, and I will furnish a memorandum on the matter in due course.\n\nThe Under Secretary of State, \nColonial Office, \nLondon, \nS.W.1.\n\n(Signed) **I.G. Lyons** \nColonel, Director\n\n| | |\n|-----------------|---------------------------------|\n| Telegrams:- | WEATHER, SOUTHERNB-LONDON |\n| Telephoon:- | Kensington 5810 |\n| | |\n| **IMPORTANT** | |\n| All communications must be addressed to | **THE DIRECTOR** |\n| In reply to this letter quote No. | |\n\n(Signed) G. GRINDI \nLes... \nIMPORTANT. \nAll communications must be *addressed to* **THE DIRECTOR**. \nIn reply to this letter quote No. \nTelegrams:- \nWEATHER, SOUTHERNB-LONDON. Telephoon-Kensington 5810. \n... \nJ. \na similar letter is addressed to the drological Office \nJuha \nOffic... \nיו \nT \n! \n... \n324", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-448 - Governor Sir May - 1918 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 492100, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-475 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1922 [5-7]", "page_number": 30, "title": "CO129-475 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1922 [5-7]", "content_text": "198\n\nThe Hon. Mr. D. Y. Perkins, senior partner in the Straits legal firm of Messrs. Drew and Napier, has recently retired from the Colony after a residence of 21 years. He had been an unofficial member of the Legislative Council of the Colony since 1918. In 1910 Mr. Perkins married, in Singapore, the second daughter of the late Sir John Anderson, then Governor of the Straits Settlements. In social circles both Mr. and Mrs. D. Y. Perkins have held a high place in the colony and they will be greatly missed.\n\nLiving costs in Tokyo, highest of any city in the world, are the real cause of the closing of the Rumanian Legation here this month, according to the Hochi. The Rumanian Minister, his First Secretary and Military Attaché have received instructions to close the Legation temporarily and are making preparations to sail for home within the next few weeks. According to the newspaper, the appropriation for the maintenance of a Legation in Tokyo felt justified by Rumania has not proved sufficient to meet present price levels.\n\nAccording to Japanese native papers, the officials of the Yokohama Dockyard Co. have decided to wait until the pinch of want drives the workmen who are now on strike back to their jobs. The officials seem confident that this will come about before long. The strikers are selling bread and groceries to raise strike funds and declare they are able to carry on the struggle for at least six months. All the repair works in the docks has been entrusted to other companies, with the exception of that on the Kaga and the Kamo, which is almost complete.\n\nTHE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS\n\nThe British Legation Chapel in Peking was the scene of a pretty wedding on the 7th inst., when Mrs. Belcher, widow of the late Major F. P. Belcher, R.A.F., was married to Mr. E. C. Mieville, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Mieville of London. The bride was given away by Sir Beilby Alston, H. M. Minister, Lady Alston acting as proxy for her mother, and Mr. L. N. Mackinnon, of Tientsin, was best man. Following the ceremony, the guests assembled at Sir Beilby Alston's house to tender their congratulations. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Mieville left for Tientsin, where the first portion of the honeymoon is being spent.\n\nHONGKONG.\n\nThe Czecho-Slovak Republic has conferred on Temp. Lt.-Colonel John Ward, C.B., C.M.G., the Croix de Guerre.\n\nMr. Charles Henry Wailar, a visitor staying at the Peak Hotel, suddenly died on March 22nd from heart failure. The deceased arrived here last week from Bombay.\n\n\"Assaulting the police appears to be a favourite occupation now-a-days,\" said Mr. Lindsel, at the Magistracy, on March 21st, in sentencing a man to six weeks' imprisonment for an attack on a Chinese constable.\n\nIt is announced that Messrs. Dodwell & Co., Ltd., have been appointed agents of the London Liverpool & Globe Insurance Co., Ltd., for Hongkong and Canton, and that the present branch offices of the Company in Hongkong and Canton will be closed from 1st April.\n\nLt. Col. F. S. Penny, R.A.M.C., who, as a major, has recently been promoted to colonel. He served as an assistant-director of medical services in the late war, winning the C.M.G. and D.S.O., and had previous field service in South Africa.\n\n[March 5th, 1929.]\n\nFour armed men entered a house in Shanghai Street about 9.30 at night on March 22nd. Having driven the inmates into a cubicle, they robbed the house at their pleasure, stealing $59 worth of jewellery and $104 in cash.\n\nThere was quite a lively scene in Yau Ma Tei the other night, when a mob of Chinese surrounded the police station crying for vengeance upon an Indian constable.\n\nAs far as could be gathered, it was alleged that the constable, who was off duty, had assaulted a Chinese. Quiet was not restored until a considerable force of police had been marched to the scene by Mr. P. P. J. Wodehouse and Mr. T. H. King. A baton charge dispersed the mob which numbered some hundreds.\n\nLady Stubbs opened a small bazaar held on March 20th in the Church Hall of St. Andrew's, Kowloon, in aid of the Mission Hospital at Yunnanfu and St. Dunstan's Home for Blinded Soldiers. H.E. Sir John Fowler, K.C.M.G., C.B., presided at the opening ceremony. Instructive missionary exhibits were on view and kinematograph films were shown during the evening also illustrative of missionary work. A large number of helpers contributed efforts to make the affair a success.\n\nMr. O. T. Breakspear, manager of the Publicity Bureau for South China, is leaving for Home by the City of Simla towards the end of the present month. The work of the Bureau will be carried on by Capt. A. G. McClay, who has recently arrived. During the past three years Mr. Breakspear has been the Hon. Corresponding Secretary for the Overseas Club in the Colony, and Mr. Eric Rice has consented to take over these duties in the meantime.\n\nUnder the title of labour organizations before the war, the Government Bureau of Economic Information publishes a list of 47 bodies. The workers who are so organized include labourers, cooks, employees of vegetable shops, printers, seamen, mechanics, warehouse coolies, girl hosiery makers, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters, masons, laundrymen, tailors, barbers and shoemakers. The list also includes a ricksha coolies association, but a note explains that this has been organized by the managers of ricksha concerns and has no relation with the coolies at all.\n\nShanghai residents, and perhaps the Shanghai police, who were startled some weeks ago by the killing of a Korean in broad day in a public thoroughfare (says the Peking correspondent of the N.-C. Daily News) may be interested to know that the victim was not named Yang, as then reported, but was the more or less notorious Kim Lip, an agent of the Irkutsk bureau for the dissemination of Communist propaganda among Oriental peoples, who came to Peking last summer with Russian gold to the value of $400,000 and resided for some time at various road houses in the Western Hills.\n\nThe inevitable has happened. Costs are rising as a consequence of the strike. By advertisement this week the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co., Ltd., and Holt's Wharf announce that from the 1st of next month the charges for landing, shipping and storing cargo will be increased by 10 per cent., owing to the increased cost of working and maintenance.\n\n56\n\nMr. William Yinson Lee, a prominent merchant of Sydney, arrived last week by the s.s. Arafura on a business trip to Hongkong and South China. During the recent visit of the Prince of Wales to Australia Mr. Yinson Lee had the honour of presenting the address of welcome from the Chinese community of all the States of the Commonwealth to His Royal Highness.\n\nThe health return for the week records 15 cases of plague (all Chinese excepting one Portuguese case). Eleven of the Chinese cases proved fatal. There were also three fatal cases of small-pox (Chinese); two non-fatal enteric and paratyphoid fever; and one non-fatal case of scarlet fever (British) and one of relapsing fever. Influenza accounted for two deaths during the week.\n\nA rice merchant was attacked by four men, whilst riding in his private ricksha on March 16th, and robbed of $146. The attack took place at the junction of Wilmer Street with Des Voeux Road. One of the men threw pepper in his victim's face, and the others dragged him out of the ricksha. A wallet containing a quantity of notes was stolen. An attempt by one of the men to snatch his gold watch and chain failed. The robbers disappeared when the merchant blew his police whistle.\n\nAmong the passengers who left the Colony by the Andre Lebon were M. Reau, the French Consul-General, who, we understand, will not be returning to Hongkong. M. Reau's departure is much regretted by the French community and many friends of other nationalities. Other well-known French residents of the Colony who left by the French mail steamer for France with no intention of returning were M. and Madame Lecab'e. As agent of the Société des Charbonnages du Tonkin M. Lecab'e had resided in the Colony for some years and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. M. and Madame Lecable intend to settle in France.\n\nA clipping from a home paper has now been received giving further details of the tragedy which occurred at Gibraltar.\n\nA serious collision occurred on Praya East on March 18th. Two motor cars, which were meeting one another, were about to pass, opposite Wai Wo's yard. At that point, also, two or three rickshas were proceeding westwards. The driver of the west-bound motor car (which belonged to the Dragon Garage) misjudged the available space and caught one of the rickshas full in the back. The occupant, Mr. H. Gelling, of the Daily Press, was hurled by the force of the impact a distance of some yards and narrowly escaped crushing his head against a verandah pillar, which was only missed by inches. As it was, he sustained many severe contusions and is now under treatment by Dr. Dalmahoy Allan. The ricksha coolie was hurt about the head and the ricksha is a wreck.\n\nThe names of a special jury were called for the Praya murder trial at the Criminal Sessions on March 20th. Later Mr. W. S. Bailey arrived in Court and explained to the Chief Justice that pressure of work had caused him to overlook the matter; he was very sorry. The Judge said it was a very serious matter. In consequence of Mr. Bailey's absence another gentleman had to serve in his place. The Chief Justice added that he could see no possible excuse whatever and Mr. Bailey would be fined $50.\n\nA report states: \"Dr. Lovell Moss, who has a medical practice here, was returning by motor-car from a dance to his residence at Algeciras, accompanied by his wife and sister-in-law and chauffeur and assistant chauffeur, when he was caught in the chains at a level crossing on the Andulaces Railway at Los Barrios, and almost simultaneously run into by a troop train. Mrs. Moss and the two chauffeurs were killed on the spot, while the doctor and his sister-in-law were conveyed to a hospital here, where they are lying in a critical condition.\" News has since been received in Shanghai that Miss Molloy died the day after the accident and Dr. Moss the day following.\n\nPage 30\n\nPage 31", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-475 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1922 [5-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]