Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 362

ί

1841.

Attack on Canton.

345

which latter place the debarkation of the troops was to be effected; the Nimrod and Pylades took up their position opposite the batteries at Shameen; while the Hyacinth, Modeste, Cruizer, Columbine, and Algerine, having moved up to the head of the Macao Passage, rounded the point of Honam, and anchored in front of the fac- tories, the Algerine at a later hour taking up her berth before a heavy sand battery between the Dutch and French follies. At about 3 o'clock, P. M., the Atalanta came in, and the Cameronians, under major Pratt, disembarked in the garden of the British consu- late. The Chinese now opened their fire from every point where they could bring their guns to bear upon the ships. They also put in motion some more fire-vessels, which drifting across the river, got on shore near the hongs a few rods east of the factories, where the flames communicated to the suburbs, causing no small damage ere they could be extinguished. During the remainder of the afternoon, the fighting was kept up by the Chinese with much fortitude, they sometimes engaging hand to hand with the parties that landed to dismantle their batteries and spike their guns. The Nimrod and Algerine, in particular, were exposed to a direct fire. In addition to the cannonading, the fire which had broken out along the north bank of the river increased the excitement and alarm among the Chinese, and drew their attention away from the movements of the land force.

Thus far had we written, when a "Brief account of the capture of the heights and forts above the city of Canton, &c., &c.; by an eye- witness," was laid on our table. This shall appear in our next; and we close this article with the following documents, extracted from the Hongkong Gazette.

No. 2.

By Charles Elliot, &c., &c., &c. Proclamation to the people of Canton.

Let all the people of Canton understand that they may return and continue their pursuits, in peaceful security whilst the high officers are faithfully fulfilling their engagements. The recent hostilities in this province have been against the will of the high British officers, and are attributable to the breach of faith and violence of the imperial commissioners. For although the general measures against the imperial court will not be relaxed till full justice be done, assuredly there never would have been any disturbance of the people of Canton and this province, unless it had been provoked by the misconduct of the imperial commis- sioners. What else have the imperial commissioners done in this province than to injure the dignity of the imperial court by a violation of their pledges under their seals, and to occasion grief and loss to tens of thousands of innocent people? When the commissioners and all the other troops save those of the province have departed, the people of Canton will once more enjoy peace and security. At Cauton, this 3d day of June, 184-1

No. 3. PUBLIC NOTICE TO HER MAJESTY'S SUBJECTS. The perfidy of the imperial commissioners having induced a course of brilliant

44

VOL, X. NO, VI.