[
    {
        "id": 245164,
        "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": "CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12]",
        "page_number": 243,
        "title": "CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12]",
        "content_text": "## The Hongkong Government Gazette.\n\n### No. 39.\n\n**GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.**\n\nHis Excellency SIR JOHN BOWRING, Knight, LL.D., Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, &c., &c., has directed the publication, for general information, of the following Copy of a Despatch from His Excellency Rear-Admiral SIR MICHAEL SEYMOUR, K.C.B., &c., &c., enclosing a Report from Lieutenant WILDMAN, Commanding Her Majesty's Gun-boat Staunch, of an action fought with three Piratical Junks off the Island of Taou-pung.\n\nSEPTEMBER 11, 1858.\n\nI have great pleasure in bringing to Your Excellency's notice the admirable and gallant conduct of Mr Morio, Second Master, the other Officers, and Ship's Company of the Staunch, in this action, under the double disadvantage of a very reduced complement and armament, with these three Junks, each carrying a long 24-Pounder Gun amidships, and six Broadside Guns of smaller Calibre, besides several mounted Gingalls.\n\nCharles Ansell, Quarter Master, I also wish particularly to bring to your notice, for his assistance in pointing the Howitzers, and his gallant conduct throughout the engagement.\n\nI enclose my List of Casualties and Defects.\n\nI have, &c.,\n\nRear-Admiral SIR MICHAEL SEYMOUR, K.C.B.,\nCommander-in-Chief.\n\n(Signed,)\nLEVESON WILDMAN, Lieutenant and Commander.\n\nP.S.—I should have mentioned, that from the quantity of European Minies, Revolvers, Cartridges, and Rifles, and the desperate resistance they made in keeping up a heavy fire, that Europeans must have been on board; the engagement having lasted 5 hours.\n\n### True Copies,\nH. F. HANCE.\n\n### GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.\n\n(Signed,) L. W.\n\nHis Excellency SIR JOHN BOWRING, Knight, LL.D., Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, &c., &c., has directed the publication, for general information, of the following Copy of a Despatch from His Excellency the Naval Commander-in-Chief, with Extracts from enclosures reporting the most successful results of an Expedition under the Command of Captain VANSITTART, of H.M.'s Steam-frigate Magicienne, against a large Piratical Fleet which has long interrupted the trade on the West Coast of China.\n\nBy Order,\nG. W. CAINE.\n\n### Superintendency of Trade, Victoria, Hongkong, 7th September, 1858.\n\nCalcutta, AT HONGKONG, 6th September, 1858.\n\nSIR,-In my despatch No. 14, of the 25th ultimo, I informed your Excellency of my intention to send out a Squadron to attempt the destruction of the hordes of Pirates which have for some time past paralyzed the Chinese Coasting Trade to the Westward. The accompanying Despatch from Captain N. Vansittart of Her Majesty's Ship Magicienne, will show your Excellency how eminently successful the expedition has been, having destroyed no less than 100 Junks and Fast-Boats, besides burning Coulan, the headquarters of the Pirates, owing in a great measure to the presence and energy of Mr Caldwell, the Registrar General, whose services have on this occasion, as heretofore, been most valuable.\n\nThe Squadron has now gone to the Eastward, to clear the Coast in that direction.\n\nI have, &c.,\n\nG. W. CAINE.\n\nHis Excellency SIR JOHN BOWRING, LL.D.,\n&c., &c.,\nHongkong.\n\n### No. 6.\n\n(Signed)\nM. SEYMOUR,\nRear Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.\n\nCalcutta, AT HONGKONG, 28th August, 1858.\n\nSIR, I have the honor to forward to Your Excellency a copy of a Letter from Lieutenant Wildman of the Staunch Gun-boat, dated the 4th instant, describing a very gallant action he fought with a superior piratical force, in which two Vessels were captured and destroyed.\n\nI have, &c.,\n\nHis Excellency SIR JOHN BOWRING, LL.D.,\n&c., &c., &c.,\nHongkong.\n\n(Signed,)\nM. SEYMOUR, Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.\n\n### H.M.'S GUN-BOAT Staunch, OFF PE-SHAN ISLAND, 4th August, 1858.\n\nSIR, I have the honor to report for Your Excellency's information the particulars of an engagement which took place this morning off the Island Taou-Pung, about 50 miles to the north of the Port of Wanchow, between H. M. Gun-boat under my command and three Piratical Junks.\n\nAt 8 A.M, whilst at anchor off that Island, two San-pans came alongside, with information that some Piratical Junks had attacked and plundered a village, and were then rounding a neighbouring point.\n\nI immediately weighed, cleared for action, and stood (under steam) towards four Junks which had just then cleared the Point,-one flying an English Ensign, a second a Portuguese, the other two Chinese Flags. When we had closed within 200 yards, the three largest Junks opened a smart and effective fire on us, doing much damage aloft; and to prevent injuring my Boats, as I determined to take them by boarding, I deemed it prudent to lower and tow them astern. I then returned their fire with the Staunch's two Howitzers-still closing with them; but as our Gun had been sent on board H. M. S. Fury by Your Excellency's orders, to ease the Gun-boat coming down the China Sea during the typhoon season, our fire was comparatively feeble.\n\nI went ahead at full speed on to the largest Junk, giving orders to lash her alongside us; but the instant we touched, such a shower of stink-pots and other combustible matter was thrown on board us, it was impossible for any person to remain forward, or to see through the dense smoke they occasioned.\n\nIt was at this moment, I deeply regret to state, that Edward George, A. B., who was actually engaged in lashing the Junk alongside, having gallantly jumped on board her for that purpose, was cut to pieces, and his remains thrown overboard. The strong breeze favouring the Junk, and a heavy swell making it difficult to lash her, she sheered off; and the Chinese having in the meantime cut our boats adrift, and being close to the rocks, I backed astern, and having picked them up, I remounted the Howitzers, which had been dismounted from the rapidity of my fire, and renewed the engagement, running alongside one and boarding, killing a great number of her crew, many of whom endeavoured to escape by jumping overboard, but only a small number reached the shore.\n\nLeaving this vessel in charge of Mr Morice, the second Master, and a party of men, I gave chase to a second in my Gig; and having come up with her, I boarded and took possession, making prisoners of the only two living men on board, many having been killed, and a few escaping by jumping overboard. The third Junk in the meantime having got some distance away, and not having more than 6 effective men left after the engagement, I deemed it prudent not to follow her amongst the numerous rocks and intricate passage she had taken; and being unable to spare any officers or men for the captured Junks, I gave directions for them to be burnt, which was done.\n\nI should observe, that during the time Mr Morice and the men whom I had left with him to burn the first Junk were performing this duty, a number of San-pans pulled alongside and endeavoured to recapture her, firing her long Gun below where our people were lighting a fire. Fortunately it did no harm to them, but caused an explosion which killed from 20 to 30 of the Chinese.\n\nThe fourth Vessel having been a capture made by the Pirates, I released, having previously obtained a written statement to that effect.\n\n### LETTER OF PROCEEDINGS.\n\nH.M.'s SHIP Magicienne, OFF LISTING ISLAND, 4th September, 1858.\n\nSIR, I have the honour to inform you, that in obedience to your orders for me to take under my directions H.M.'s Ships Inferible, Plover, Algerine, and proceed with them to destroy and capture the many Pirates represented as being in this neighbourhood, that I left the anchorage of Hongkong with the said vessels and H.M.'s Ship under my Command on the morning of the 20th ultimo, as soon as Mr Caldwell, the Registrar General, and three Chinese informers had come on board.\n\nFrom Hongkong we proceeded and examined carefully the whole Coast as far Westward as Mamee, having up to the present date taken and destroyed-1 fortified Stockade mounting 14 Guns, 26 piratical fighting Junks, 74 fast Row-boats, 236 Guns, about 372 Pirates killed, 36 pirates taken alive, 6 Cargo Vessels recaptured from pirates, 54 Men and 6 Women retaken from pirates; with only a few wounded on our side.\n\nI enclose herewith a detailed account of each day's proceedings, with list of captures, people rescued, casualties, officers employed in boats, &c. I cannot say too much for the valuable assistance I have received from Mr Caldwell, the Registrar General, who was most indefatigable in his exertions, gaining much valuable information from the Prisoners rescued, and by other means, thereby being in a great measure the cause of our success, and showed much judgment in discriminating the innocent from the guilty of those captured on board the Junks, besides being a valuable acquisition from his intimate knowledge of the Chinese language.\n\nI have despatched the Algerine into Hongkong with Mr Caldwell, the three Chinese informers, and the remainder of the persons rescued from the Pirates not yet disposed of. Upon the Algerine's return with Mr Caldwell, I propose searching well the Bays in the vicinity of Hongkong to the Eastward, as we have every reason to believe that there is still one fleet of Junks undiscovered.\n\nThe energy of Mr Caldwell in finding out and gaining information as to where the Pirates are, does him the very greatest credit. Trusting you will approve of my proceedings since leaving Hongkong on the 26th ultimo,\n\nI have, &c.,\n\nRear-Admiral SIR M. SEYMOUR, K.C.B.,\nCommander-in-Chief.\n\n(Signed,)\nNICHOLAS VANSITTART,\nCaptain.\n\n### Detailed Account of the Proceedings of H. M. Ships Magicienne, Inflexible, Plover, and Algerine, when upon a Cruise for the Suppression of Piracy.\n\n1858, 26th August.-Leaving the anchorage at Hongkong at 6.30 A.M., we proceeded, and carefully examined Pootoy, the Lema Islands, Sammoon, Lingting and Chungchow; sending the Inflexible and Algerine to the Westward of Lingting, the Magicienne with the Plover going to the Eastward, we came upon two piratical fighting junks and one fast-boat. One of the junks having her anchor up, made for the shore, the Crew taking to their boats. I immediately despatched the Plover, directing Lieutenant Wynniatt to bring her out, which he did, and was fortunate in recapturing Chas. Deacon, an Englishman (belonging to the American ship Antelope,) who had been taken by the Pirates three weeks before, in company with the Mate and eight Chinese; the former and four of the latter he saw cut down and thrown overboard at the time of being captured. The second junk was at anchor, which the Pirates had abandoned and laid a train to, but she fortunately blew up before the Plover's boat reached her. Being informed that there were about 120 pirates on the island, who had taken to the hills and rocks, I despatched Lieutenant Soady, 1st Lieutenant of this ship, and Lieutenant Tuson, R.M.A., with a strong party ashore, to cut off any Pirates; but found here as elsewhere that it was useless following them, so shot at the different parties as they showed themselves. The junk blown up being nearly awash, I directed Lieutenant Soady to recover as many of the guns on board her as he possibly could, and to bring them out into deep water; which by nine the next morning he completed, bringing out with those on board the first captured junk, 50 guns of from 6, 9, 12, and 18-pors, all of which were taken into deep water and junks destroyed. Ashore, much shot and ammunition was found, all of which was destroyed.\n\n### No. 40.\n\n招人承接事限以英本年九月二十日即戊午年八月十四日止截是日以前其願承接者赴英香港量地官示\n\n本署領辨兹將所招三事列後\n\n一在必達馬頭海旁添設兩小馬頭分左右建造\n二在必達馬頭建立船屋一間船政廳住宅一所\n一千八百五十八年八月初九日示\n\n[SEPTEMBER 11, 1858.]",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12].txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 245165,
        "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": "CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12]",
        "page_number": 244,
        "title": "CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12]",
        "content_text": "# The Hongkong Government Gazette.\n\n## SEPTEMBER 11, 1858.\n\n27th August. In the morning before leaving Lingting, a Chinese who had been taken by the pirates some days before, came on board in one of our boats; his description of the atrocities committed by the Pirates was dreadful to hear. Mr. Caldwell, the Registrar General, on board of us, having gained information at Lingting that two Pirate Junks, with a cargo Junk of Cocoa-nuts, had only left on the 25th for Coulan Bay, a stronghold and favorite resort of the Pirates, we proceeded by the Ladrone Islands to Tylon, and anchored the `Magicienne` and `Inflexible` at 5 P.M. on the south side in 4 fathoms water. I immediately proceeded in the `Plover` with all the Boats of the `Magicienne` armed, under Lieutenant Soady, and the boats of the `Inflexible` in tow of the `Algerine`, under Commander Brooker; landing the Marines under Lieutenant Tuson, R.M.A., with pinnace in charge of Lieutenant Hill, on the south side. Upon our opening Coulan Bay, we discovered a squadron of five piratical fighting Junks, with two captured cargo vessels. Upon our hearing them, they fired one gun, and ran their vessels aground, the crews jumping overboard and swimming ashore. The fire of the `Plover`, `Algerine`, and rocket-boats was admirable. Anchoring the Gun-boats in position at sunset, we took possession of the Pirate Junks mounting in all 62 Guns, the two cargo Junks being one laden with cocoa-nuts and the other with rice. We had to destroy the Cocoa-nut vessel (being on the rocks), but liberated the Rice Junk, putting on board of her the people found in the former, the united crews amounting to 24 men. At 10 P.M. I started with `Magicienne's` and `Inflexible's` first gigs, accompanied by Commander Brooker, Lieutenants Soady and Wynniatt, on a reconnoitering expedition. Up the Creek, we discovered and set fire to four Piratical fighting Junks, one of 12 guns, the others having had their guns removed; whilst destroying the Junks and some smaller vessels, occasional musket-shots were fired at us, which we returned. As we were burning the third Junk, great guns opened on us, at about 1,700 yards from inland, many of the shot reaching alongside the gigs at that distance. Favored by the moon (occasionally obscured), I determined to land; so with Commander Brooker, Lieutenants Soady and Wynniatt, and ten men, we pushed on as well as we could find our way guided by the spirited fire of the guns at the stockade, which continued until we got within pistol-shot, up to which time we had reserved our fire. Giving a volley, we pushed on; the enemy ran, ourselves being brought up for a minute or so by the entrance of the stockade being staked; clambering through mud, water, and over embankment, we got possession of the 14-Gun stockade, spiked the guns, destroyed the ammunition, fired volleys where at times we heard the enemy, and returned on board by 2 A.M., with no loss on our side. Although the shot came over our heads, the Pirates appeared to be firing at where the vessels were burning in the Creek, and not to be aware of our movements ashore, nor the smallness of our force, until we were close upon them. For, having to advance in single file, in a narrow pathway, several of the guns being placed so as to completely sweep away everything approaching, we would have required a considerable force to have attacked it in the day time, and I have little doubt that we should have sustained some loss. The guns were similar to those in the Piratical fighting Junks.\n\n28th August.-Lieutenants Sharpe and Bevan were employed getting the guns out of the Junks captured in Coulan Bay into deep water, and then setting the vessels on fire. Landing a large party under Commander Brooker, Lieutenant Soady, and Acting Mate Brabazon, I had 30 piratical fast-boats destroyed, and marched up to the stockade to destroy the guns more effectually and burn the houses in the vicinity; the same having been effected, all hands re-embarked and proceeded down to the ships, weighed and steamed down on the South side, to Sandy Bay, St John's Island. Mr. Caldwell going down on the North side, with `Plover` and `Algerine`, where all re-anchored by dark.\n\n29th August.-At daylight, having despatched the `Plover` and `Algerine` to search Samtong Bay, I proceeded with Mr. Caldwell and Commander Brooker, in `Magicienne's` and `Inflexible's` 1st gigs, to search the small rocks and coves in Sandy Bay, St John's Island; extreme end of one of the bays we came suddenly upon a piratical Junk of 10 guns, all on one broadside, and 38 men all at their guns, pointed for the entrance between the rocks. As he evidently intended disputing our entrance, and it would be impossible to board him on account of his being high and dry on the mud, I had the gig's crews landed on the rocks with their rifles. Upon our opening fire, the Pirates immediately fled, many being killed; on board we found two women, who had been prisoners for upwards of two months, whom we liberated. In the forenoon, seeing some junks to the Westward, I despatched Commander Brooker in the `Inflexible` with the Boats of the `Magicienne` under Lieutenant Soady to examine them, remaining at anchor in `Magicienne` to superintend getting the Pirate Junk out to where we were at anchor off Hawchuru Bluff. The `Plover` and `Algerine` came upon six Piratical Junks, upon which they made a spirited attack, doing much credit to Lieutenants Wynniatt and Arthur; after an exchange of shot for several minutes, the Pirates jumped overboard, upwards of 190 being killed or drowned, 36 taken alive, 22 people rescued, and 80 guns destroyed; the `Inflexible` with `Magicienne's` boats coming in very opportunely to prevent any escape, and to give a finishing stroke to an affair so ably executed by Lieutenant Wynniatt. For the particulars, I must refer you to the letter written by Lieutenant Wynniatt, enclosed herewith.\n\n30th August --At 4 P.M. hearing a gun fired from the Northward, I had the `Plover` ready with the `Magicienne's` Cutter under Lieutenant Soady, and `Inflexible's` Cutter under Lieutenant Bevan, and started at daybreak, with Mr. Caldwell and Commander Brooker after four vessels for the land.\n\nUpon our getting within gunshot, the crews of the two larger junks took to their boats and made for the shore, ourselves opening fire with musketry and great guns, destroying the greater part of them.\n\nThe vessels turned out to be one Pirate Junk mounting 5 guns, on board of which we found a Chinese woman, who had been made a prisoner with 7 men, some days before, near Macao; her vessel, the second large one, having been kept by the Pirates to form one of their squadron. The remaining two were fishing vessels, one with five men, the other with four on board, whom we liberated. The other two vessels I had taken into deep water, set fire to, and guns thrown overboard. The woman I had sent to the `Magicienne`.\n\nWeighing with the ships at 8 A.M., we proceeded to Wong Chow, where leaving the `Magicienne` and `Inflexible` at anchor, I proceeded at P.M., with Mr. Caldwell in the `Plover`, taking in tow all the `Magicienne's` Boats under Lieut. Soady, Commander Brooker going in `Algerine` with `Inflexible's` Boats. Proceeding up for Tywoo shan, at 3 P.M., we discovered two Junks; and on giving chase, one lowered her sails and anchored, turning out to be our old friend the Rice junk, who had been again captured by another Pirate (the vessel ahead), who was sailing away with a good breeze, and pulling with all her oars to escape up to the Fort of Tywoo-shan. As soon as we came up within range, we opened fire, the Chinese villagers on shore following her up, so as to slaughter anyone attempting to escape by swimming from her. At 4.10 P.M., the Pirate opened fire upon us, and continued so doing until she was taken. The `Plover` having got within canister distance, did great execution, as did the `Algerine` and all the boats. Pushing off in the boats at 4.40, the Pirate still sailing and pulling, gave us a hard chase: my gig being light, consequently got within pistol-shot distance before the other boats could come up. I cannot speak too highly of Mr. Brabazon, Acting Mate, and Mr. S.G. Anstruther, Midshipman, who came with me, or of the whole Boat's Crew, as, out of nine men, eight were wounded by the Pirates; Mr. Brabazon with the two Marines keeping up a most effective fire with their rifles; Mr. Anstruther most gallantly jumped overboard after T. Mills, Ordinary, one of the gig's crew, who in consequence of a stinkpot having exploded upon him, had to jump overboard to save himself, but being unable to swim, was fast sinking, when Mr. Anstruther rescued him; Mr. Anstruther's strength was also exhausted when assistance came to him. At 5.30 P.M., the boats having come within canister distance, as well as the `Plover` and `Algerine`, the Pirate grounded in a sinking state; those on board of her not killed jumped overboard, the few escaping us being immediately slaughtered by the villagers ashore.\n\nOne Chinese, who had been taken prisoner by the Pirates and rescued by us, informed us that this junk was commanded by the Pirate Chief Cheeppoo, who was killed shortly before the vessel grounded; also that she mounted 9 guns, having a crew of upwards of 65 men, not one of whom escaped. The coolness displayed throughout the expedition since leaving Hongkong by all on board, the accuracy of the fire from the `Plover` and `Algerine`, also from the boats of `Magicienne` and `Inflexible`, do great credit to all on board; and I take this opportunity of recommending to your favorable notice, as I have done in my covering letter, particularly Commander Brooker, Lieut. J.C. Soady, Lieut. Wynniatt, Lieut. Arthur, Lieut. Bevan, Acting Mate Brabazon, Midshipman Anstruther. The conducting of the `Plover` and `Algerine` through such intricate channels reflects the greatest credit to Mr. John Phillips, Acting second Master, and Mr. H. Swainson, second Master.\n\nI enclose herewith a list of casualties, in which I am happy to say are none killed.\n\n31st August. Marching the various creeks, we found two junks with no guns on board, but as they answered the description given to Mr. Caldwell, I had them destroyed, meeting with no resistance with the exception of one gingall shot. Before high water, I had the `Plover` and `Algerine` placed in position before the battery of Tywoo-shan, in which were two heavy long guns besides smaller ones; sending a boat in under Lieut. Soady, to set fire to a large junk, which had been used as a Pirate, but whose guns had been removed, our firing of the previous day giving them timely warning. We remained opposed to the battery until the vessel was burnt to the water's edge; however, as no shot was fired, I did not feel myself authorized in acting in any way against it, although it is well understood that the Hakka tribe, living there always, give protection openly to the Pirates, the Mandarins never yet having been able to take the place, although they have tried with a large force; the Hakka tribe being in open rebellion against them. There being nothing more to complete the destruction of, I returned with the vessels and boats to where the `Magicienne` and `Inflexible` were at anchor.\n\n1st September. Proceeded with Gun-Boats in tow to Mamee, when sending for the Mandarin, I handed over to him 22 Pirates for his disposal.\n\n2d September-Proceeded to St John's Island, searching the nooks and corners, finding nothing.\n\n3d September.-Proceeded at 4 A.M. for Tylon Island, where, at 11 A.M. anchoring the `Magicienne` and `Inflexible` on the south side, I started with Commander Brooker and Mr. Caldwell in `Plover` and `Algerine` with ships' boats to Coulan Bay. Finding I had been too lenient on the former occasion of visiting this place, in sparing the houses and many boats, as the accounts given by prisoners taken from Pirates, and from all parties enquired of, agreed that every person and article thereat were piratical, and had been for some years, also from Mr. Caldwell's previous knowledge; and as the Mandarin authorities had long since denounced it as such, I desired Commander Brooker to land with his division of boats and with those under Lieut. Soady, to search well the different lots of houses about the creek, to burn and destroy everything that he could find; which he most ably executed, having which only a few gingall shot fired at his party, which was returned, without any loss on our side, the Pirates having 4 or 5 killed. The houses were nothing more than magazines of powder and ammunition, explosions after explosions taking place. Seven more guns were discovered and destroyed, cargoes of Betel-nut and other pirated stores set fire to, as were also two piratical Fighting Junks with guns removed, 1 Cargo Junk, and about 40 Boats nearly all Fast-boats. With the `Plover` I started in chase of a Fast-boat pulling sixteen Oars, which we did not get possession of until after the crew had got ashore. She was well armed and provisioned, mounted a 6 pounder in the stern. Two other Piratical Fast-boats were likewise discovered and set fire to. The destruction of their favorite stronghold with loss of powder and Ammunition will I trust prevent the Pirates fitting out any vessels of consequence for Piratical purposes for some time.\n\n4th September-Proceeded by Kypong Islands, Sammoon and Ling-ting, where we now are.\n\n## H.M.S. “Magicienne,” off Lingting Island, 4th September, 1858.\n\n**NICHOLAS VANSITTART, Captain.**\n\n## Return of Piratical War Junks, &c., captured by H.M.'s Ships \"Magicienne,” “Inflexible,” “Plover,” and \"Algerine,\" on the undermentioned dates, with the number of Cargo Junks and Prisoners retaken from the Pirates, and Casualties in the crews of H.M's Ships.\n\n| DATE | PLACE | Piratical War Junks damaged and burnt | CAPTURED OR DESTROYED | Pirates killed or drowned | Prisoners taken alive | Recaptured from Pirates | Remarks |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1858 |  |  | Piratical War Junks | Guns spiked or sunk into deep water | Cargo Junks rescued |  |  |\n| Aug. 26 | Lingting Islands, | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |\n|  | Culan Bay,..... | 9 | 30 | 74 |  | 27 | Under the Pirate Chief Momema. Upwards of 120 Pirates on this Island. An armed stockade of 14 guns was captured and destroyed by a night attack. |\n| 28 |  |  |  |  |  | 25 |  |\n| 29 | St John's Island, | 1 | 10 |  |  |  | Under the Pirate Chief Kowkung-hung. The crews of the Piratical War Junks escaped to shore; many killed. |\n|  | Off Hawcheun Bluff, | 6 | 80 | 36 | 190 | 22 | Under the Pirate Chief Lowcumfat. |\n| 30 | St John's, | 1 | 9 |  |  | 3 |  |\n|  | Teywoo-shan....... | 1 | 12 | 65 |  |  | Under the Pirate Chief Yaongkong-poo, |\n| 31 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Under the Pirate Chief Tunghai. |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Under the Pirate Chief Cheepoo, who was killed in the affair. This vessel offered resistance for upwards of an hour, wounding with stinkpots, gingalls, &c., 8 of the 9 men in `Magicienne's` Captain's Gig. |\n| Sept. 4 | Coulan, | 2 | 7 |  |  |  | Recaptured-the same liberated at Coulan. Guns removed-Pirates warned by the fight of the previous evening. |\n| Totals, |  | 22 | 148 | 74 | 255 | 78 |  |\n\n**NICHOLAS VANSITTART, Captain.**\n\n## H.M.'S GUN-BOAT Plover, SANDY BAY, 29th August, 1858.\n\nTo have the honour to acquaint you, that in obedience to your orders, I proceeded with the `Plover` and `Algerine` to Samtong Bay where nothing was met with beyond a few fishing and trading boats, but from whom I gained information of pirates having been there on the previous evening, but had left during the night in the direction of Gunjavar Channel; upon which I considered I should not be departing from my instructions in following them up, which I did, searching the whole of the western shore of Hawchen Island, without seeing anything suspicious until we arrived at Hawcheun Bluff, when we suddenly opened fire on six piratical Junks standing in line towards the shore, which from their appearance as to tonnage and cut of sails, quite agreed with the information we had received at Samtong. As we approached within gun shot, fire was opened immediately on both sides, Lieutenant Arthur in the `Algerine` taking the right extreme of the line, while the `Plover` took the left, to prevent their reaching the shore, firing continually on both sides for many minutes, when the men jumped overboard from the Junks and made for the shore, a few escaping in their small boats, leaving us in possession of the Junks, which were as speedily as possible anchored, guns thrown overboard, and set fire to, in which we were very much assisted by the joining of the `Inflexible` and `Magicienne's` boats under Lieutenant Soady, as every assistance was given by Commander Brooker in destroying the Junks, which being completed in obedience to instructions from Commander Brooker I proceeded with the `Algerine`, to examine Namoa Harbour and the channel leading between the Islands of Hawcheun, Wasp, Cricket, and Dipachou, when I rejoined the `Magicienne`. I am happy to say that the captures were effected without a single man being wounded on our side, though the fire at times was heavy. As far as I am able to learn, upwards of eighty guns were destroyed.\n\nIn conclusion, I beg to bring to your notice, the very cordial co-operation I received from Lieutenant Arthur in the `Algerine`, and the brisk and accurate fire kept up by the Gun-boats reflects the highest credit on both men and officers.\n\nI further think it my duty to bring to your notice Mr. John Phillips, Second Master of the `Plover`, who conducted the vessels through most intricate channels in a manner which showed great judgment and ability. The Interpreter sent by Mr. Caldwell, Registrar General, proved of great value in obtaining information and making himself generally useful.\n\nHoping that our proceedings will meet with your approval,\n\nI have, &c., &c.,\n\nTo Captain N. VANSITTART, C.B.,\n\nH.M.'s Ship `Magicienne`.\n\n**True Copies,**\n\nH. F. HANCE.\n\n**ROBERT WYNNIATT, Lieutenant Commanding.**",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12].txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 248459,
        "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": 62,
        "title": "CO129-076 - Individuals - 1859",
        "content_text": "Commission, loathing the late expedition, under-station by to: Caldwell and Her Majesty's Gunboat, against the friendly city of Nautas :\n\nthat \n\nYou will see 19th and 30th ult. the gravity of that case.\n\nAny letters, of the \n\nAnd, in continuation, the same letters I have also to direct your attention to the official report, of a still later raid against thee - liang, another peaceful town on the Chinese coast; in like manner conducted by Mr. Caldwell.\n\nLetter of the 4th April Wynnia. Mr. M. part, in his described character of Registrar, \"Journal\" of Hong Kong, distant about one hundred and twenty miles from the awarded town.\n\nthe Hon. Gov.\n\nthe \n\n1859. On his sole and unsupported information, and with no person present to check him, even as Interpreter, Her Majesty's Gunboats \"Forester and Janus,\" were employed, on that occasion, to obtain from the Chinese town reparation of loss said but not proved to have been suffered on the high seas, by a Chinaman Mr. Caldwell, alleged informant, a Biraman pou Kerk-chi (not a British subject, and entirely unconnected with Hong Kong).\n\n51.\n\n61\n\nHong Kong, at the hands of the squadron of the pirate Morera', who, writes Commander Wynncott, Mr. Caldwell states, has been at the head of piracies in these waters, for the last five years! If he had said, that Momera the pirate named in the Beaver papers, according to Dr. Bridges' own evidence, one of the parties to a peace, in which the arbitration of Mahthowlong, Mr. Calleng partner, had been set at nought, I fear that the statement would have been much more to the purpose.\n\nAs an attempt was made by Mr. Caldwell to connect that pirate with the townspeople of Buting, beyond his own admission that a portion of the cargo alleged to have been captured by Momera, - landed there: a pretext which would justify a daily bombardment, by English and Portuguese, of the Capital of Hong Kong, the City of Victoria.\n\nUpon such grounds, a claim of \"Indemnity\" was nevertheless made against Caldwell's Kutchi Client, the town, for Mr. Caldwell to the amount payable of One Thousand Dollars, within Two Hours, under notice of letting.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-076 - Individuals - 1859.txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 341134,
        "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": "CO129-244 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [1-4]",
        "page_number": 160,
        "title": "CO129-244 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [1-4]",
        "content_text": "I was overburdened with duties and in summer that I could scarcely perform my work and had to leave some undone.\n\nIn view of an application for 6 months from April next, I have requested the Bishop, who has authority over the other resident Clergy here, to advise me how to obtain a locum tenens; and his reply on two separate occasions was that as he can see it is so far simply impossible here.\n\nOn the last occasion of my taking leave, in 1886, I secured with great difficulty the services of a naval chaplain, but the Admiralty afterwards disapproved, and issued a Circular forbidding their Chaplains in every station to undertake any further responsibilities of the kind.\n\nI am unable to afford the expense of a passage of a clergyman from England, otherwise I could, I believe, easily secure the services of one who is well known in the Colony, the Reverend Wonnacott, now in London. In a recent letter to me he expressed his desire to return here.\n\nI have to ... W. Jennings,\n\nJ. Colonial Chaplain.\n\n74",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-244 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [1-4].txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 576864,
        "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": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "page_number": 89,
        "title": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "content_text": "23\n\nH\n\n22\n\n2nd September, 1945.\n\nGroup Captain's Letters\n\nYou will remember we spoke this morning about the telegram from Commander-in-Chief, B.P.F. to the Admiralty (No. 010943Z/September). I now enclose a draft reply, which has been agreed with the War Office and the Admiralty (r. Synnott), for the approval of the Chiefs of Staff. This will also dispose of telegram No. 011308Z/September, a copy of which is attached in case you haven't seen it. If the Chiefs of Staff would prefer to send the telegram as from themselves, paragraph 7 could be deleted.\n\nJour\n\nSumly\n\nI.D. HALMERS\n\nGROUP CAPTAIN\n\nD.C. STAPLETON, D.F.C.\n\nC.O.S. Secretariat,\n\nCabinet Office, S.W.1.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945.txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 576868,
        "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": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "page_number": 93,
        "title": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "content_text": "ABBey 1272 Ext: 321\n\nOLYN-FORES FOR DIS SCHEME NEW 124/Aiong Kong/6 EDIATE BY FIAND\n\nFrom: Colonel F.G. Drew M Packin 2/9 131\n\nThe War Office, Hotel Victoria, Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C.2. 1st September, 1945.\n\nMy dear Paskin,\n\nYour 54144/22/45 1st September to Synnott.\n\nIn view of the fact that we agreed the other day to omit the \"dual responsibility\" paragraph from the Civil Affairs Directive to Admiral Harcourt, we agreed this morning with Synnott to omit it from the Directive to the C.C.A.0. The War Cabinet Offices were informed and the Directive is, I understand, now issued by telegram to all concerned.\n\nThis omission is, of course, without prejudice to the matter being taken up again at an early date, as soon as the Military Administration has got going. In practice, so far as the C.C.A.0. and the \"C. in C. and Head of the Military Administration\" are concerned, I do not think its omission makes much difference in any event; they will refer matters back to the War Office, and we shall of course refer to you all matters which are of Colonial Office concern and responsibility.\n\nIncidentally, as I see it, the only Admiralty responsibility at the moment is to provide the channel of signal communication with Hong Kong. As soon as this is established on a normal basis, I do not see that the\n\nJ.J. Paskin Esq., Colonial Office, Downing Street, London, S.W.1.\n\nAdmiralty/",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945.txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 576869,
        "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": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "page_number": 94,
        "title": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "content_text": "132\n\nAdmiralty will have any concern with the Military Administration of Hong Kong. We, however, recognise the present desire of the Admiralty to hold a watching brief on behalf of Admiral Harcourt, as a Naval Officer, to ensure that he does not receive incomprehensible instructions from the War Office on matters with which he will not of course be fully conversant, and in view of Synnott's representation and in order to get the C.C.A.O's Directive issued quickly, we agreed to omit for the time being the \"dual responsibility\" paragraph.\n\nI am sending a copy of this letter to Synnott.\n\nYours sincerely,\n\nCopy to: P.N.N. Synnott Esq., Admiralty.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945.txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 576870,
        "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": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "page_number": 95,
        "title": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "content_text": "C.O\n\nL\n\nDRAFT AND RECORD COPY\n\nColonial Office,\n\nDowning Street,\n\nS.W.1.\n\n18 Sat September, 1945\n\n133 DRAA\n\nMR. Paskin\n\nMR.\n\nMR.\n\nENCLOSURES\n\nf. 54144/22/45\n\nMy dear Synnot.\n\nYou have up to now paid attention to the fact that a paragraph in the C.C.A.O. Directive to HONG KONG has been re-inserted in the draft directive to the C.C.A.O. prepared by the Civil Affairs Directorate in the War Office.\n\nAm I right in relation to the Tactical Officer I mentioned to you that, according to my notes, out that the C.C.A.O. is to be responsible. I am dubious (amicably vituperatively) about the unit responsibility in fact a want of Office and the P.M. (Thursday) has a\n\nFURTHER ACTION\n\nCopy sent to Col. Drew\n\nTo\n\n(a) to the War Office in the C.C.A.O. one S.A.C. for 21 matters in which the\n\nn inter. HoJ\n\n(b) to the Colonial Office with regard to other matters which are to be the responsibility of the Secretary of State for the Colonies.\n\n*\n\nI enclose a copy of a War Office letter dated 3rd February, 1944 to the S.A.C., C.C.A.C., enclosing a memorandum recording the agreement between the Colonial Office and the War Office on this matter.\n\nThis document was prepared a longish time ago and it is possible that, if it were being written today\n\nP. N. N. SYNNOTT\n\nSY\n\nnar\n\n[31863] Wt. 17782/355 10m. 6/44 C.N.Ld. 748",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945.txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 576891,
        "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": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "page_number": 116,
        "title": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "content_text": "153\n\n12\n\nWith the compliments of Mr. P.N.N. Synnott.\n\nMOST IMMEDIATE\n\nBY SPECIAL MESSENGER.\n\nJel Exit 145.\n\nOu. Refi- 11.08160/45.\n\nDear Drew,\n\nADMIRALTY, S.W.1.\n\n25th August, 1945.\n\nReference your 124/Hong Kong/6 (C.A.4) of 22nd August.\n\nI return herewith a draft directive to the Military Governor Hong Kong, which is in principle the same as yours, but with certain changes.\n\n2. As you will see we propose to include general provisions in Part I, which incorporates paragraphs 1 and 11 of your draft of your Civil Affairs Directive.\n\n3. The Chiefs of Staff decisions on these are not yet complete, which is the cause of my delay in replying to you.\n\n4. We suggest having the Civil Affairs paragraphs as a separate Part II. There are certain minor drafting amendments with which I expect you can agree.\n\n5. We feel that paragraph 10 of your draft should come out. The Military Governor would be Military Governor only and probably not Commander of the Forces. The C.C.A.O. should therefore be responsible to him only. It is, of course, undesirable and unnecessary as a rule for any officer to be responsible to more than one authority in respect of the same function. I discussed this with Owen Hughes of your staff yesterday and he agreed. In any case, only naval communications will be available in the first instance.\n\n6. The matter is most urgent as the naval forces have probably now started for Hong Kong. I send these by special messenger in the hopes that you will be able to clear to me by telephone. We will have to reduce the Directive to telegraphese for the purpose of signalling it. I want to get out the directive as soon as Chiefs of Staff have cleared up the outstanding matters on Part I. To save signal traffic we would not signal the Directive to the Chief Civil Affairs Officer, assuming he can produce it on arrival.\n\n7. I am sending a copy of this to Faskin.\n\nColonel F.G. Drew, Hotel Victoria, Northumberland Avenue\n\nW.C.2.\n\nYours sincerely,",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945.txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 576903,
        "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": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "page_number": 128,
        "title": "CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945",
        "content_text": "DRAFT AND RECORD COPY\n\nColonial Office,\n\nDowning Street,\n\nS.W.1.\n\n23rd August, 1945\n\n164\n\n7\n\nMR.\n\nMR.\n\nMR.\n\nDRAFT\n\nPasuin 22/8 5414/1/22/15\n\nYour Ref. 124/HongKong/6(C.A.4)\n\nGent, & K\n\nENCLOSURES\n\nFURTHER ACTION\n\n(7 on 54144/40(3)\n\nTo\n\nIMMEDIATE\n\nDear Drew,\n\nThank you for your letter of the 22nd August with comments on the draft Directives to the Force Commander and the C.O.A.C., Hong Kong.\n\nWe agree with your suggested amendments to these documents.\n\nAs regards paragraph 1 of the Directive to the Force Commander, however, we assume that if (as now seems probable) there is time for the Directive to be telegraphed to him before he reaches Hong Kong, this paragraph will be re-drafted in the more usual form of an instruction to him to set up a military Administration in Hong Kong (he has, of course, already had this instruction - Admiralty signal No. 131957A of the 13th August, but there seems no reason why it should not be incorporated in this formal Directive).\n\nI am sending copies of this letter to Synnott of the Admiralty and to MacDougall.\n\nYours sincerely,\n\nCOLONEL F. G. DREW\n\n[318SB] Wt. 17782/355 10m. 6/44 C.N.Ld. 748",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945.txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    }
]