Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 361

844

Attack on Canton.

JUNE,

loaded their horses with goods, woolens, &c.,-were seen trudging off with their booty into the city. In the course of the morning, the rabble joined the soldiery in their strife for plunder. And it was not till near evening, when, Yihshan's troops having been recalled, the Kwangchow foo and Nanhae heën appeared at the head of their police and dispersed the mob; having done this, they intrusted the custo- dy of the pillaged factories to the care of armed coolies under the su pervision of the hong merchants.

Sometime in the course of this day captain Elliot issued the following proclamation to the people of Canton.

No. 1.

"It is well known to all the people of Canton, that the city and the whole trade of the province have twice been spared by the high officers of Great Britain, in recollection of the long and peaceful intercourse which has subsisted between them and the western nations. But now it is already ascertained that the three high commissioners have violated the agreement lately entered into with the British officers, by arming one of the forts, given up to them on the distinct as- surance, that no guns should be put there, till all the difficulties were settled be- tween the two nations. And it is further known to the English officers that fresh troops are constantly poured into the city from the other provinces, and that secret preparations are in progress to attack the British forces who are the real protectors of the city. Let the people remember the hour of battle, and consider whether they owe the safety of their lives and properties, to the wisdom and valour of the commissioners from the court, and the troops of the other provinces, or to the forbearance of the British officers. The troops of the other provinces åre no more than scourges to the good and industrious inhabitants, and if they are suffered to remain in Canton they will draw down destruction upon the city, and upon the wealth of the whole province. It is now therefore plainly proclaimed to the people of the province of Canton, that if the commissioners and all the other troops have not departed from the city (with an understanding that they shall immediately leave the province) within twelve hours, the high officers of the English nation will be obliged to withdraw their protection from the city, and take military possession of it, confiscating all the property to the queen of England. But if the commissioners and their troops do indeed retire within the period indicated, it will still be possible to enter into arrangements with the high officers of the province; prudent men acquainted with the foreign character, mindful of the lives and property of the people, and responsible to the emperor for their safety. The commissioners have no property at stake in Canton, and care nothing for the prosperity of the province, but desire only to make reports which may serve their interests at court. The troops they have brought with them are anxious for trouble and confusion, that they may plunder the city, enriched by the foreign trade. Let the people of Canton, as one man, call for the departure of the commissioners and their troops, and by these means it will still be possible to save the city and the whole province from the miseries of war. At Canton, the 22d day of May, 1841."

On Monday the 24th, the necessary reconnoitering having been made, and the forces having arrived in the Macao passage two or three miles from the city, the movements for a combined attack on Canton commenced.

At noon the royal salute was fired, it being the anniversary of queen Victoria's birthday. Soon after this, the Sulphur proceeded up the north branch of the river, towards Neshing and Tsangpoo, at

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